News DeskDubai, UAE – Moroccan athletes stole the spotlight at the 12th Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Sports Tournament’s road running races, held late Saturday at Dubai’s Meydan Racecourse. The event, part of the Ramadan sports festival sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, drew over 4,300 participants across multiple categories, cementing its status as one of the region’s largest sporting spectacles.
Under the slogan “Limitless Capabilities,” the races were overseen by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. Senior officials, including Saeed Hareb (Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council) and Faris Al Mutawa (Secretary General of the UAE National Olympic Committee), flagged off the competitions, which featured men’s, women’s, junior, and senior citizen categories.
Moroccan Triumphs Across Distances
Morocco’s dominance was most evident in the 10km races. Yasser Al Shashoui led a podium sweep for his nation in the men’s open category, clocking 27.52 minutes, followed by compatriots Mohammed Ait Mammas Touda and Ismail Al Kharshi. In the women’s 10km open race, Ruqayya Al Mazrouei (38.36 minutes) claimed gold, while Rokia Al Moqim (34.37 minutes) and Wafaa Zeroual (35.19 minutes) secured a Moroccan 1-2 in the women’s open event.
The 5km races also saw Moroccan prowess. Amin Souida won the open men’s race (14.45 minutes), while Hamid Al Moalla triumphed in the national men’s category (15.41 minutes). Wiam Al Fathi (22.13 minutes) added a silver in the women’s open 5km, behind Poland’s Emilia Mangilinan (22.11 minutes).
Emirati and International Highlights
Emirati athletes shone in citizen-specific categories. Abdul Karim Tiki Abdul Rahman won the men’s 10km nationals (28.15 minutes), while Hessa Al Jasmi topped the women’s 5km nationals (23.48 minutes). International flair came from France’s Jean-Claude Haramburi (16.58 minutes in senior men’s 5km) and Germany’s Carla Maria Benzmuller (15.20 minutes in junior girls’ 4km).
Laser Run Debuts with Innovative Format
Adding a fresh twist, the NAS Tournament introduced the Laser Run Shooting Championship on Monday at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex. Combining laser pistol shooting and running across ten age groups (from under-9s to over-60s), the event requires athletes to balance speed and precision. Distances vary by age, with juniors running 300m per round and seniors facing 600m. Winners are determined by the fastest time without shooting penalties.
A Ramadan Sporting Tradition
Now in its 12th year, the NAS Sports Tournament continues to expand its reach, blending traditional races with innovative disciplines like Laser Run. The event underscores Dubai’s commitment to fostering inclusive, multi-generational athletic participation during Ramadan, drawing global talent and local enthusiasts alike.
