Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Abu Dhabi has successfully concluded its preparations for the upcoming International Shotgun Championship, scheduled for December 1-4, 2025, at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. This eagerly anticipated event will showcase elite shooters from across the globe, competing for significant awards. Organizers assure that everything is set to provide a professional atmosphere for these athletes.
Under the patronage of the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain, the championship is a collaborative effort with the UAE Shooting Federation and the International Federation of Sport Shooting and Hunting. During a press briefing held on November 23, committee members detailed the readiness and anticipated outcomes of the championship.
The Chairman of the organizing committee expressed gratitude to the national leadership for their steadfast support towards sports in the UAE, emphasizing the role of senior leaders in making this championship a noteworthy international gathering. Their commitment reinforces the UAE's mission to advance sports and enhance its profile in the competitive shooting arena.
The total prize pool for this significant event is set at $400,000 (over AED 1.5 million), which will reward winners across various categories. This year, over 300 competitors from more than 30 nations will participate, including roughly 30 athletes representing the UAE, underlining the nation’s burgeoning sporting talent.
Encouragingly, women now represent around 10% of participants, marking a positive trend in female involvement in shooting sports. Organizers noted that the high number of registrations underscores the event's growing appeal and the trust international athletes place in the UAE’s capability to host major sports competitions.
Officials acknowledged the contributions of all strategic partners, including national sports entities and local authorities, for their collaborative efforts that ensure smooth planning, logistics, and security protocols. Such partnerships demonstrate the UAE’s high organizational standards in hosting global events.
The championship coincides with the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations and emphasizes the deep relations between shooting sports and Emirati heritage, culture, and history. The event not only fosters sporting activities but also upholds traditional values embedded in hunting and defense—key facets of national identity.
By hosting the championship, Al Ain bolsters its standing as a regional center for sports and tourism, enhancing the UAE’s global reputation and reflecting the confidence that international federations have in the nation’s advanced infrastructure and administrative capabilities.
On the final day, attendees can look forward to the “Abu Dhabi Silver Awards,” with a prize pool exceeding AED 100,000, adding an exciting layer of competition among participants.
As the tournament director noted, teams have been diligently preparing the venue, with shooters arriving as early as November 25 and training sessions slated for November 27 to 30. The competition kicks off officially on December 1 following the completion of the draw.
With over 300 shooters, substantial prize money, and extensive global engagement, the Abu Dhabi International Shotgun Championship is poised to be a premier sporting event, exemplifying the UAE’s commitment to hosting world-class competitions and providing top-notch facilities for athletes.
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