With 45 football teams representing government and private institutions, the University of Sharjah has officially launched its UoS Partners in Success Ramadan Football Tournament, drawing a strong community turnout at the University’s sports stadium. The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, alongside senior officials, representatives of sports clubs, government entities, private companies, charitable organizations, healthcare institutions, prominent sports and media figures, and members of the public.

The ceremony opened with the reception of guests and the parade of participating teams, followed by the UAE national anthem. Prof. Agamy then addressed the audience, welcoming participants and emphasizing that partnerships between universities and community institutions create pathways to future success. He noted that such collaboration reflects the wise vision of the founder of the University of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and its current President, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. That vision, he said, places community partnership at the heart of development and human advancement.

Prof. Agamy added that the UoS’s relationship with government entities and national and private companies is built on integration rather than one-sided cooperation. These partnerships, he explained, are grounded in the exchange of expertise, the alignment of academic knowledge with real-world practice, and shared efforts that benefit students, institutions, and society alike. Through training opportunities, skills development, direct exposure to professional environments, and employment pathways for graduates, partner institutions have become an essential part of the university’s educational ecosystem.

Speaking on behalf of the participating organizations, Mr. Mohammed Hilal, chairman of the Mohammed Hilal Group, expressed pride in taking part in the tournament. He said their participation reflects the strength of their relationship with UoS, adding that the partnership extends beyond academic and professional cooperation to include social and sporting initiatives that promote teamwork and institutional connection. The tournament, he noted, brings participants together in a positive competitive atmosphere and reinforces the idea that success is built through collective effort. He also highlighted the importance of sport in nurturing both body and mind, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, which he described as a time for spiritual renewal and renewed determination.

The opening ceremony also featured the honoring of two prominent figures in Sharjah’s sports community, Ahmed Nasser Al Fardan, former secretary general of the Sharjah Sports Council, and Issa Hilal Al Hazami, former chairman of the council. The recognition celebrated their longstanding contributions to the development of sports in the emirate and their role in shaping key projects, initiatives, and sports policies. Several sponsors and partners were also honored in appreciation of their role in the tournament’s success.

Following the ceremony and group photographs, Prof. Agamy signaled the official start of the tournament with the opening kickoff, marking the beginning of the preliminary matches amid an energetic atmosphere and strong fan presence.

This year’s tournament features 45 teams representing leading national institutions across sectors including banking, government, charitable organizations, hospitals, and major corporations, underscoring the depth of the university’s strategic partnerships within the wider community. The program also includes a special exhibition match titled the Generations Match, bringing together children from the University’s football academy and senior players in a symbolic display of intergenerational connection and sporting unity.

The tournament will run for 15 days throughout the month of Ramadan, with competitive matches between teams from diverse sectors. Organized as part of the University of Sharjah’s commitment to promoting sports, strengthening community partnerships, and reinforcing positive values and fair competition, the event reflects the university’s national and humanitarian role while highlighting the contribution of national institutions to teamwork and social cohesion.