WSF News – UAE Joins the World Snooker Federation

The World Snooker Federation (WSF) is today delighted to announce that the UAE Billiards & Snooker Association (UAEBSA) has become the latest national federation to become a full member of the WSF.

A delegation of President Jason Ferguson and Vice President Nigel Mawer QPM from the WSF recently visited Dubai to meet with representatives from the UAEBSA including Khalid Ali Al Khaili and former professional snooker player Mohamed Shehab, on behalf of Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.

Following fruitful discussions, it became clear that both bodies share a vision for the governance of cue sports and we are delighted to be working in partnership in the future.

Under the new agreement the UAEBSA will allow the WSF and its members use of the UAE Snooker Academy in Dubai for playing practice and the training of new coaches and referees to support the future development of the sport.

The WSF will support the UAEBSA with future development initiatives, which includes a schools project to help nurture the next generation of snooker talent in the region. It is the vision of the WSF that the Academy will become a key stop off point for professional players to visit and be able to practice during their travels across the globe.

WSF President Jason Ferguson said: “We were overwhelmed by the support that we received from UAEBSA during our recent visit and are now delighted to welcome them to the WSF family. This is another key milestone in the development of the WSF as we recognise the UAE as a significant area for the future development of billiards sports and we look forward to working together over the coming years.”

Mohamed Shehab said: “Upon meeting with Jason and Nigel we found that the WSF shares our vision for the future and that’s why we didn’t hesitate to join them. I’m sure that together we will build something strong for our sport. The UAE can be the right stop for all of the professional players on their way to China or UK and that in itself is an honour to us.

The UAE has hosted many successful amateur snooker championships in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah. It will be a very unique experience to host one here working with the World Snooker Federation in the future.

Our simple words to the WSF are that as far as we are helping the sport, the UAE Snooker Academy is yours!”

The UAEBSA is the latest international body to become a full member of the WSF, where they will sit alongside its many members including the WPBSA.