Organised by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, the 15th edition of Fazza Championship for Yola began on Saturday under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.
People from both Arab and foreign countries thronged Meydan Castle at the Global Village to witness the opening of the popular heritage event. The championship began with the recitation of a special Arabic poem titled Al Jar Li Al Jar (translated to "Neighbour for Neighbour” in English), penned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.
Top Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre officials, including CEO Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmouk; Director of Championships at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre Souad Darwish; and Head of Events Ibrahim Abdul Rahim, attended the launch.
The jury comprised Rashid Al Khassony, Mussalim Al Amiri and Khalifa bin Sabaein Al Muharrami.
Souad Darwish applauded the performances of the 40 qualified competitors, wishing everyone the best and highlighting that Meydan celebrations have now become a phenomenon for the youth who love the heritage activity and guests who have been enhancing the festivities with brilliant poetic and artistic performances over the last decade.
The championship witnessed strong competition among four participants. Ahmed Salim bin Smeet from Ras Al Khaimah secured 48 points; Saeed Zayed Al Khassony from Sharjah achieved 46 points; Abdulla bin Sa'deen Al Shehi also from Ras Al Khaimah earned 46 points and Ahmed Al Harsousi from Dubai acquired 47 points.
Fayez Al Saeed performed two songs during the opening while the Emirati poet Mohammed Al Mor Bel Abd recited two poems.
Ahmed Al Harsousi from Dubai expressed his joy in participating in this championship again after winning the third place last season. He is gearing up to delivering an exceptional performance this year in an attempt to win the Fazza golden cup.
Another participant, Abdulla bin Sa'deen Al Shehi said: "I participated last year for the first time but I was unable to achieve my goals. I am looking forward to performing better. I love Yola since I was eight-years-old and over the years I have practiced it with great dedication and passion.”
Ahmed Salim bin Smeet said: "This is the fifth time I am participating in the Meydan Castle celebrations; I have not yet reached the golden quarter but I have undergone intensive training and preparations and I am very keen on winning the title this year.”
"This year's edition of the championship coincides with the 10th season of the local cultural programme Al Meydan. Yola is a symbol of celebration during weddings and special occasions in the UAE. Sheikh Hamdan's commitment to continue reviving and protecting the Emirati heritage among the youth by offering valuable prizes, is truly commendable. Each year the championship attracts huge volumes of crowds and this year it is expected to be even bigger and better,” said Souad Darwish.
"We expanded the Meydan Castle this year; we changed the background to combine both contemporary decorations and traditional elements to showcase Dubai's unique image. We have also brought in new technologies in cooperation with the Al Meydan programme Director Ahmed Al Doughaji, and are looking forward to working with him for the first time,” said Darwish. The Al Meydan programme telecasts all the rounds of the championship live on Sama Dubai.
Source: Khaleej Times