H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, congratulated President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of Emirates, on the UAE's being chosen to host the FIFA Club World Cups in 2017 and 2018.
He hailed the sports victory as yet another achievement that consolidates the UAE's global recognition as a progressive nation.
He also sent congratulations to H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Honorary Chairman of the UAE Football Association, the UAE people, and to the sports sector.
He added that FIFA has awarded the UAE the hosting rights for the tournament for two consecutive years based upon many factors. These include the UAE's superior reputation at international levels, previous successes in hosting similar international championships, its accumulated experience in management and organisation of major sports events, the country's advanced infrastructure, including modern sports facilities, the nation's environment providing safe, harmonious and peaceful co-existence, and its constructive FIFA-UEA partnership.
He noted that the UAE hosted the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, FIFA Club World Cup 2009 and 2010 and the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Source: WAM