Organised by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)in cooperation with Al Ahli Football Club

Launch ofthe Middle East Football Tournament for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers on 19 October

18 October 2014
Dubai, UAE:The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is organising a Middle East football tournament for pilots and air traffic controllers in Dubai, with the cooperation of Al Ahli Football Club(Al Ahli FC) and the support of SERCO.12 teams from various airportsand aviation companies will take part in the competition, which will be on 19 and 20 October at the Al Forsan pitches. The tournament is part of a strategic initiative to increase cooperation between professionals in the aviation sector.

The new partnership between the GCAA and Al AhliFC comes in the wake of a meeting held between Ahmed Al Jallaf, Assistant Director General for Air Navigation Services for GCAA, and Ahmed Khalifa Hammad, Executive Director for Al Ahli FC, in the presence of a number of senior officials from both organisations.

H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General for GCAA, said: “Our region’s pilots and air traffic controllers are the main pillars of human resources in the aviation sector, an industry which is fundamental for the UAE’s and the region’s economy and relationships. Team-building through sport allows for social cohesion in the community. We will continue to encourage regional cooperation and partnerships. “

Hammad welcomed the club’s initiative to communicate with other institutions to promote sports and their values among society. He stressed that Al Ahli FC has put all its capabilities into the tournament and wished all those involved success in strengthening ties betweenprofessionals across the aviation industry.
Ahmed Al Jallaf, commented: “The main objective behind the tournament is to promote partnership, and the Middle East Football Cup for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers is a great way to come together and acknowledge our joint efforts to our region’s achievements in aviation, while also interact socially and strengthen our relationships.”

Al Ahli has put forward a work team, under the leadership of Khamees Salmeen, and Dr Ala Helweesh, General Coordinator, with officials of the sub-committees to help supervise the organisation of the tournament, as well as the establishment of the opening and closing ceremonies.