Sheikh Hamdan Opens Ghayathi Sports and Community Center

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, inaugurated the Ghayathi Sports and Community Center, a modern facility aimed at improving community wellbeing and promoting active lifestyles. The new center is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life and strengthen social unity across the region.

Vision for a Healthier Community

During the inauguration, Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to promoting health, fitness, and social welfare. He said the new center reflects the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who sees sports as a key pillar of the nation’s sustainable and inclusive development. This initiative aligns with the UAE Year of the Community, which focuses on building strong and engaged communities through shared activities and values.

Encouraging Sports as a Lifestyle

Sheikh Hamdan encouraged all residents—especially youth and families—to make sports a daily habit. He highlighted the positive effects of regular physical activity on both mental and physical health, saying that it helps build a more productive and connected society. Sports, he noted, play a central role in promoting teamwork, social belonging, and overall happiness, which are essential to achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

Tour of the New Facility

Following the inauguration, Sheikh Hamdan toured the Ghayathi Sports and Community Center, inspecting its advanced facilities and amenities. The project was developed in line with the Abu Dhabi Government’s vision and the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), which aim to create opportunities for everyone to engage in sports and wellness activities. The facility is designed to serve all age groups and provide a welcoming environment for community participation.

Officials Present at the Event

Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, and several senior officials. He was received by Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, along with other ADSC leaders. The officials praised Sheikh Hamdan’s continuous support for sports and community development in the region.

A Model for Modern Community Centers

Aref Hamad Al Awani expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Hamdan for his ongoing encouragement of sports initiatives. He stated that the Ghayathi Sports and Community Center stands as a model for modern community infrastructure, combining fitness, recreation, and social engagement under one roof. The center’s design reflects the UAE’s broader goal of making sports a way of life accessible to all residents.

Facilities for All Age Groups

The new center offers state-of-the-art sports facilities for men, women, and youth. It includes a multipurpose sports hall that can host football, basketball, volleyball, and handball matches, encouraging participation in both individual and team sports. The center also features two international-standard swimming pools, fitness halls, and dedicated aerobics rooms for men and women, supporting group exercise and wellness programs.

Supporting Families and Community Life

Beyond sports, the Ghayathi Center offers a children’s nursery, administrative offices, and retail outlets, providing a full-service environment for families. These additional facilities make the center a community destination, not just a sports venue. It aims to strengthen social connections, encourage volunteering, and support family participation in wellness programs.

Promoting Quality of Life in Al Dhafra

The opening of the Ghayathi Sports and Community Center is a major step in the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s mission to promote healthy living across the Al Dhafra Region. It reflects the government’s focus on quality of life, sustainability, and inclusion, ensuring that every resident has access to modern facilities that support physical and social wellbeing.

The new facility also supports the UAE’s broader sustainability goals by fostering community resilience and encouraging active participation in health-focused programs. It aligns with the nation’s strategy to ensure that every city and town has spaces that promote wellbeing, environmental responsibility, and community togetherness.

As Sheikh Hamdan noted during the ceremony, sports are not just about physical fitness but about unity and shared purpose. The Ghayathi Sports and Community Center will serve as a hub for events, competitions, and community gatherings, helping shape a future where wellbeing is at the heart of daily life in Al Dhafra and beyond.