The Governor of Socotra, Engineer Raafat Al-Thaqali, opened today the late Saad Ali Salmeen Stadium after it was fully rehabilitated and planted with artificial turf, with generous support from the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Work.

On the sidelines of the opening of the stadium, Governor Al-Thaqali witnessed the launch of the Bambarak Youth Football Championship with the participation of 29 sports clubs from the governorate’s clubs, in a match that brought together the Al-Tali’a and Al-mitaq clubs from the first group of the tournament.

At the opening of the stadium and the launch of the tournament, Governor Raafat Al-Thaqali praised the generous support provided by the UAE to the sports sector in Socotra and its interest in transforming the reality of sports activity and facilities into a reality that fulfills the aspirations of young people and athletes in the governorate.

Noting that the opening of this sports edifice is a distinguished model and a great gain for the governorate and its athletes.. He called for preserving this important sports gain and exploiting it to develop the capabilities and develop the talents of players in sports clubs for the better. We wish the governorate success.

He praised the efforts of His Excellency Khalfan Al Mazrouei, representative of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Work, for his interest in implementing such model projects in the governorate and enhancing the infrastructure of the sports sector.

The President of the Football Association, Captain Ahmed Hazoum, welcomed Governor Raafat Al-Thaqali and all those present for their participation in the opening of the stadium and the launch of the tournament, stressing that the opening of the late Saad Ali Salmeen Stadium is one of the beautiful gains provided by the UAE, represented by the Khalifa Foundation for Humanitarian Work for Socotra and the sector. The athlete in particular.

 He expressed his appreciation to His Excellency Khalfan Al Mazrouei for his continued keenness to continue sports activity and develop sports facilities.

The opening ceremony included a number of artistic performances by popular teams and the participation of a number of clubs in this sporting delight.

The opening match ended with Al-Tali'a Club winning by five goals and two goals for Al-Meitaq Club.

The opening was attended by Governorate Undersecretary Raed Al-Jaribi and Saleh Ali, Director General of Youth and Sports, Mr. Ali Saab, Chairman of the Development Committee, Sheikh Ali Issa bin Afrar, Sports Sector Officer, Captain Ismail Al-Junaibi, members of the Football Association, heads of sports clubs in the archipelago, and a large gathering of fans.