News DeskDubai: Under the umbrella of the Ministry of Interior and as part of the Ramadan Community Engagement Forums, Dubai Police — represented by the Positive Spirit Council and Al Rashidiya Police Station — concluded the Communities Football Championship in Al Warqa, with the participation of 20 youth and masters teams from the Indian community.
The championship was organised in cooperation with the Kerala Football Association for Expatriates (KEFA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Sports Council, and Dubai Media Incorporated.
The closing ceremony was attended by Brigadier Dr. Abdul Rahman Sharaf Al Mamari, Director of the Hemaya International Centre; Fatima Buhajeer, Chairperson of the Positive Spirit Council and Head of the Cultural Diversity Section at the General Department of Community Happiness; Omar Al Kendi from Dubai Sports Council; along with council members, officers, personnel, volunteers from the ‘Policeman in Your Neighbourhood’ team.
The championship aimed to strengthen community bonds, promote values of coexistence and tolerance, and use sports as a platform for human connection and positive communication. It also sought to discover and nurture sporting talent among young participants, provide a safe and competitive environment, and instil discipline, teamwork, and commitment.
Strategic Tool
Fatima Buhajeer emphasised that the Positive Spirit Championship is part of the ‘Aware Athlete’ initiative, serving as a practical model for embedding community values through sport and fostering a sense of responsibility among youth. “Sport has become a strategic tool for building balanced personalities and promoting discipline, respect, and teamwork,” she said.
She added that the Council is committed to creating safe and inspiring platforms that channel youth energy toward excellence and creativity, contributing to a better quality of life and a culture of positive coexistence among the diverse nationalities and cultures in Dubai. “This championship reflects Dubai Police’s vision of strengthening community security by engaging people in meaningful activities that build trust and reinforce tolerance and mutual respect.”
Meanwhile, the Kerala Football Association for Expatriates (KEFA) expressed its deep appreciation to Dubai Police, the participating teams, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to the success of the tournament, reaffirming its commitment to growing the football community and promoting unity through the sport.
Winners Crowned
In the youth category, Shellcon Valluvanad team claimed the title after defeating KW Group Kasaragod in a penalty shootout — a match that highlighted the promising future of youth football within the KEFA community. Meanwhile, in the masters category, Marine Costa team secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Flock Sharjah team, with the final showcasing tactical discipline, experience, and strong competitive spirit.
Raising Security Awareness
On the sidelines of the championship, the Positive Spirit Council, in cooperation with internal and external partners, organised a series of awareness lectures covering traffic safety, crime prevention, and public security. Topics included guidance on adhering to traffic laws, information on the ‘Victim Support’ service, reporting cybercrimes via the e-Crime platform, and fraud prevention.
Participants also learned about the importance of using 999 for emergencies only and 901 for non-urgent inquiries. They were also introduced to Dubai Police’s smart services, including the “Police Eye” service available on the Dubai Police app and website.
