Ice hockey in the United Arab Emirates | |
---|---|
Country | United Arab Emirates |
Governing body | UAE Ice Hockey Association |
National team(s) | Men's national team; Women's national team |
Clubs | Emirates Ice Hockey League |
Ice hockey is a minor sport that is gaining popularity in United Arab Emirates. [1] [2] The premier ice hockey league in the UAE is the Emirates Ice Hockey League (EHL), which began in 2009. [3] The U.A.E. Ice Hockey Association is one of the few sports associations recognized by the United Arab Emirates government. [4] [5] [6]
In 2018, Vladimir Burdun was appointed as the new president of the EHL. His role was to strengthen the UAE ice hockey team and attract more business opportunities. [7]
In 2019, Burdun announced the goal of entering a team into the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), which formerly involved teams from Belarus, China, Finland, Latvia, Kazakhstan, and Russia, by 2021. He also aimed at getting more players ready for the KHL. A new ice arena was expected to open in Abu Dhabi in 2019, designed to meet all the requirements of the KHL. [7] [ further explanation needed ] The plan was to replicate the recent success of an NHL team situated in the desert, Vegas Golden Knights. NHL and KHL stars such as Pavel Datsyuk, Sergei Mozyakin, Alexander Ovechkin were discussed as possible additions to the league to increase competitiveness. [8]
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The UAE Ice Sports Federation (UAEISF) administers ice hockey activities in United Arab Emirates. It recruits and trains nationals for sporting programs.
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The UAE national ice hockey team is the national men's ice hockey team of the United Arab Emirates. It is operated under the UAE Ice Sports Federation and a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). As of 26 May 2019, the UAE is currently ranked 48th in the IIHF World Ranking and competes in Division III Group A tournament of the World Championships.
The Culture of the United Arab Emirates is part of the culture of Eastern Arabia. Its historical population was a small tribal community that changed with the arrival of an influx of foreign nationals in the mid-20th century. Emirati culture is a blend of Arabian, Islamic, and Persian cultures, with influences from the cultures of East Africa and Indian Subcontinent. Islam has had a prominent influence on local architecture, music, attire, cuisine, and lifestyle.
There are sporting events held in United Arab Emirates.
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The Emirates Hockey League (EHL) is the national ice hockey league of the United Arab Emirates. The league is governed by the International Ice Hockey Federation. Founded in 2009 by the country’s Winter Sports Federation and the Emirates Olympic Committee, and licensed by the International Hockey Federation, the league now (2019) consists of six teams: the Abu Dhabi Scorpions, the Dubai Vipers/White Bears, the Dubai Mighty Camels, the Abu Dhabi Storms, the Al Ain Theebs and the Abu Dhabi Shaheen Falcons. The Scorpions and Mighty Camels are composed of expatriate players, including Canadians, working in the U.A.E., while the other clubs consist of mostly Emirati players who form the United Arab Emirates national team.
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The 2010 Gulf Ice Hockey Championship was the first Gulf Ice Hockey Championship. It took place between 25 May and 30 May 2010 in Kuwait City, Kuwait. The United Arab Emirates won the tournament winning all three of their games and finishing first in the standings. Kuwait finished second and Saudi Arabia finished in third place.
The 2012 Gulf Ice Hockey Championship was the second Gulf Ice Hockey Championship. It took place between 28 May and 1 June 2012 in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The United Arab Emirates won the tournament after defeating Kuwait in the gold medal game, claiming their second title of the championships. Oman finished third after defeating Bahrain in the bronze medal game.
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