Abu Dhabi will host the inaugural Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) World Games this weekend and spectators can experience Irish cultural events first hand.

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With 24 teams from across the world descending on to the nation’s capital, the event will be held across Friday and Saturday with a packed schedule at Zayed Sports City.

Nine countries will be represented, with teams from North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Australia, Asia, Argentina, Canada,  and the Middle East in the mix over the weekend.

Coinciding with the GAA World Games will be the Middle Eastern GAA Championships, taking place alongside the festivities.

The World Games will feature traditional Irish sports of Gaelic football, hurling, rounders and camoige.

“I am delighted to announce details of another event that underlines the continued internationalisation of our games,” said Liam Ó Néill, president of the GAA.

“The growth of organised championship events around the globe in recent years has been truly staggering and they all occupy their own special place in the GAA calendar.

“I believe that in years to come we will look back on this event as being of huge importance in helping to connect our international units in a way that will become the norm in the future.”

The GAA World Games’ group games, Middle East Hurling League and Middle East Ladies & Men’s Competition will happen on Friday, with the semi-finals and finals on Saturday.

In addition to the top competition, visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities with the evenings’ entertainment consisting of Irish dancing and music.

On Saturday, a skills village will be available for kids with GAA County players from Ireland in attendance, while an underage tournament between teams from the region will run across the age groups U8, U10, U12 and U14.

The closing ceremony and dinner will see the winners presented with medals, All-Star awards and tournament MVPs. Doors will open from 19:00 with tickets costing Dh200.

Admission to the games is free on both days, with Friday getting under way at 09:00 and Saturday starting at 10:00.

Beatrice Cosgrove, Etihad Airways’ general manager Ireland, said: “To host the GAA World Games in our home of Abu Dhabi is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the UAE capital and Etihad Airways to Irish communities around the world as well as promoting Irish commercial 
opportunities in the Middle East.

James Kennedy, chairman Middle East GAA Board, added: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be hosting the first GAA World Games. It’s great to have so many teams from across the globe in Abu Dhabi competing for the title of world champions.”

Fans can keep up-to-date with the competition on the free app, Team App, which will have the fixtures, tables and live scores of the weekend’s games. For more information, visit www.gaa.ie.

Whether you’re into traditional Gaelic sports or not, come to experience Irish culture and fun at the first ever GAA World Games.

WHAT: Gaelic Athletic Association World Games
WHERE: Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi
WHEN: Friday, beginning at at 09:00 and Saturday starting at 10:00
Sport360 VERDICT: If you’re unfamiliar with Gaelic games, it will be a weekend of experiencing different culture with plenty of activities for the entire family
CONTACT: For more informatino, visit www.gaa.ie