Launched in 2018, the Al Maha programme seeks to mentor and encourage Emirati women to participate in the sport and has seen the team compete in various local, regional, and international-invitational tournaments. Reed Smith’s partnership with the Al Maha team aims to develop pathways between the game of Rugby and business through providing mentorship to the players.
Sachin Kerur, Reed Smith’s Middle East offices managing partner, said: “It has been a real privilege to partner with the Al Maha all-Emirati female rugby team. Their growth and development over the last three years has been nothing short of remarkable and we are very proud to be able to continue to support them.”
“At Reed Smith we are dedicated to driving progress within our communities and the Al Maha girls are an embodiment of this every time they lace up their boots and get on the pitch.”
Mohamed Al Zaabi, General Secretary UAE Rugby, said: “UAERF’s Al Maha (programme) is a very important initiative in UAE Rugby’s overall development strategy, it is also a programme that resonates deeply with Asia Rugby and World Rugby’s commitment to identifying pathways to growing the women’s game from grass roots through to National representation. Our girls continue to impress, on and off the pitch, with their dedication to their sport and to inspiring our (Emirati) female youth to follow the rugby path.” “The Board is delighted to continue this journey with Reed Smith and we thank Sachin, and his team - locally and globally - for their support and for continuing their partnership with UAE Rugby.”
Saud Al Nuaimi, Head of Marketing and Investment Committee, added: “Such partnerships are invaluable as UAE Rugby continues its upward trajectory in being the leader and setting the benchmark for youth development in the region. UAE Rugby and Reed Smith hold very similar values, such as providing first-rate opportunities for individuals to learn and excel, and, through the extension of this association we confidently move into the next phase of developing Al Maha and adding depth to the Emirati-female rugby player.”
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters. Our team of 3,000 people (including more than 1,700 lawyers) operate across 31 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia to drive progress for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities.
For more information, please visit reedsmith.com.
About the UAE Rugby Federation
In 2009 the UAE Minister of Culture and Youth and Community Development and the Chairman of the Government of Youth and Sports decreed the formation of the board of directors of the UAE Rugby Association.
Since then the UAE Rugby Association, was responsible of developing and growing the game in the United Arab Emirates, It was awarded Full Membership status of the Asian Rugby Football Union on June 2011 and was then upgraded by the Government of Youth and Sports to UAE Rugby Federation in October 2012 after it has shown its commitment in developing and growing the game in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE Rugby Federation was then awarded a Full Membership status of the then International Rugby Board, now known as World Rugby, in November 2012 which is the highest recognition that a Union could be awarded by the International Governing Body.
