The Dubai Corporate Games produced the most tense finish in the event’s history when Al Tayer Group marginally beat PepsiCo by two points to be crowned 2015 champions.
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The games went down to the wire as Al Tayer were victorious in men’s football at the American University of Dubai, thereby successfully defending their 2014 title.
Celebrating its 10th year, the popular event yet again proved to be a magnificent occasion for expats to mix work and play. Over 3,000 employees from 58 companies competed at the event.
There were 17 sports disciplines on show but they weren’t all conventional games. People could compete by playing FIFA on PlayStation, go-karting at the Dubai Autodrome or even having a dragon boat race, as well as the usual sports. Bowling was the new addition to the games.
There’s nearly every sport you can think of at #DXBCorpGames– even table football! pic.twitter.com/StneZgF8x4
— Sport360° (@Sport_360) March 13, 2015
Vice president of corporate affairs for PepsiCo Hugh Gilbert is elated his company is a sponsor.
“The Dubai Corporate Games is an amazing event,” Gilbert, from Seattle, said. “I have been a part of it for the last five years and the thing that stands out for me is the sheer number of events that they manage to put on over a two-day stretch.
“Everything from cricket and football to individual events involving swimming pools and golf courses – things happening all over the city. It’s just a fantastic way for companies to get involved and increase team-bonding.”
One of the most popular events with the fans was the men’s basketball. Nestle outfoxed GE in the final after a inspirational performance from their star man, Arnold, who dedicated the victory to the ‘Nestle family’.
The major shock of the weekend was when three-time Corporate Games tennis champion Patrick Chucri walked away with a silver medal. The Lebanese expat who works for Choueiri Group was the heavy favourite to reign in Dubai again but he couldn’t beat Ali Khaled Henkel in the final.
People enjoy the event because of how well organised it is for its vast size. And it is a testament to High-Five Events and to one man in particular. Bahi Rifai, who is referred to as the ‘Bald Gandalf’ because of the magic he pulls out for this event year after year, is delighted with how the games went.
.@Pepsi_Arabia are posing for the camera at the #DXBCorpGames. Their employees love how well-organised the event is pic.twitter.com/xlg9hv1wSb
— Sport360° (@Sport_360) March 13, 2015
“I am just happy that everybody had fun,” Rifai said. “We didn’t have any serious issues or injuries so everybody was happy.
“We try to improve every year. Obviously it’s not perfect but we are delighted with the progress we have made over the years.”
Ten years may seem a lengthy period in the UAE that alters on a daily basis, but Gilbert believes the Corporate Games has a bright future in Dubai.
“The fact that this is the 10th year is absolutely reflective of the incredible job that the organisers have done,” Gilbert added.
“I can tell you having been a part of it for at least half of those years, that it’s really grown throughout the decade and it keeps getting bigger and bigger. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
