Global Sharpshooters Converge in Abu Dhabi for Prestigious International Shooting Championship

The Abu Dhabi International Sporting Championship kicked off Monday with over 300 shooters from 30 countries competing for $400,000 in prize money. The tournament, running until December 4 at Al Ain Equestrian and Shooting Club, marks the first regional competition of its kind and carries the world's largest prize pool for sporting clay shooting.

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, sponsors the event. The competition brings together participants across six categories: juniors, women, masters, open, seniors, and veterans. They'll compete on eight specially designed fields that meet international standards.

The UAE fielded 40 shooters, which organizers see as a positive sign for the sport's growth locally. This gives Emirati athletes direct exposure to international competitors and world champions, potentially raising the country's profile in global shooting sports.

Mohammed Suhail Al Neyadi, Director General of the Arms and Hazardous Materials Office and head of the organizing committee, said the first day ran smoothly with strong competition from the opening hours. Shooters faced three stations with 75 clay targets on day one, followed by 75 more targets on day two and 50 on the final day.

The tournament follows a precise schedule across fully equipped fields, creating what organizers call a fair and safe competitive environment. The final program includes the "Abu Dhabi Silver Prize" worth 100,000 dirhams.

Al Neyadi revealed plans for more competitions ahead, including another sporting championship in Al Ain this January. That event will focus on trap and skeet disciplines, different from the current sporting clay format. He expects strong international participation for the upcoming tournament as well.

The Arms and Hazardous Materials Office organized the championship alongside the UAE Shooting Federation and the International Hunting Sporting Firearms Federation. The collaboration reflects efforts to establish the UAE as a regular host for major shooting competitions in the region.