Nahyan inspects Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, and Chairman of the Higher Local Organising Committee (LOC) for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013, today inspected the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium at Al-Jazira Sports '&' Culture Club in Abu Dhabi, as part of the final preparations to host the tournament between 17 October-8 November 2013. The Al Jazira Club and its stadium will host the opening and the closing ceremonies of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013 as well as the matches of Group 1. In his remarks as he toured the facilities at the stadium, Sheikh Nahyan affirmed that hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013 is backed by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Their Highnesses, the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the emirates, and that the efforts are under the auspices of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and the Honorary President of the UAE Football Association. Sheikh Nahyan affirmed that the ongoing preparations in the UAE cities to host the event are characterised by sincere efforts and dedication by sub-committees. Affirming that the UAE is ready to host the event, Sheikh Nahyan said, "preparations are going fine. All relevant sub-committees involving the six groups are making huge efforts to prepare the event in a way that lives up to the stature of the UAE. " He was accompanied by senior officials, members of LOC and members and chairmen of sub-committees.