H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Hashr Al Maktoum launches 'World's Richest Shooting Championship'

The event is being presented by the ETA Ascon Group and supported by the UAE Shooting federation. Dubai Shooting 2007 will be organized by STAR EVENTS, an International Exhibitions and event management company, a part of the diversified ETA Ascon Group. The event will be held from 5th- 7th February 2007. The total prize money will be AED one million, making it one of the richest shooting competitions in the world.

H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Hashr Al Maktoum brought the first Olympic Gold for the UAE. Dubai Shooting 2007 marks the beginning of Sheikh Ahmed's dreams and vision to promote the sport among the young national and international population of UAE. The event is being held under Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Hashr Al Maktoum's patronage.

Announcing the first ever Dubai shooting challenge at a press conference in Dubai, H.E.Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Hashr Al Maktoum said,

"Shooting sport has given UAE international recognition and I aim to keep the country's flag flying high through Dubai Shooting 2007, the world's richest shooting event. This event will give an opportunity to talented young shooting sports enthusiasts from the country to compete on an international scale."

The Championship will host over 150 participants from around the world and will be held at the Jebel Ali International Shooting Club in February 2007. The 3-Day event for men and women will kick-off with a spectacular opening ceremony. The competition will be governed by qualified judges and referees appointed by the International Shooting Federation (ISSF). Star Events, will be managing the entire event logistics from start to finish.

Also speaking at the conference, Colonel Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, President - UAE Shooting Federation said, "We, at the UAE Shooting Federation are proud of Sheikh Ahmed's commitment to the sport and fully support the event. I would like to thank the ETA Ascon Group for coming forward to support this huge initiative and take on this responsibility. I would like to urge the people to support this event and to put another international sports event on to Dubai's map."

Mr. Hakim Albannay, General Manager - Corporate Affairs, ETA Ascon, said, "ETA Ascon is honored to be a part of the Dubai Shooting 2007 Championship. It is truly a privilege to associate ourselves with the Dubai Shooting 2007. We are proud of the honour and grace that H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Hashr Al Maktoum has brought to UAE at the Olympics 2004. We would like to join him and the UAE Shooting Federation to make this an event to remember."