DP World’s Beyond Boundaries Initiative Supports Grassroots Cricket in the UAE

DP World has proudly extended its Beyond Boundaries Initiative to the United Arab Emirates. The initiative is a global mission to support the growth of cricket through the donation of kits, equipment and facilities to grassroots organisations around the world via 50 repurposed shipping containers.

The programme’s expansion to the UAE was celebrated at a launch event at DP World’s headquarters in JAFZA, attended by CEO and Managing Director, DP World GCC Abdulla Bin Damithan, Group Chief Communications Officer, DP World, Daniel Van Otterdijk and Indian cricketing legend, Harbhajan Singh.

At the Dubai launch, the fourth ‘remodelled’ shipping container was unveiled, offering changing facilities, secure storage, a scoreboard and a portable wicket. Designed by Saudi Arabian artist Maajed Ahmed, the container honours DP World Global Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar’s unrivalled legacy to the game of cricket. Crafted with Maajed’s unique signature style of traditional Arabic calligraphy and contemporary graffiti, the container will be placed at Victoria Cricket Academy at Skyline University, Sharjah, UAE, where it will serve as a multifunctional space for budding cricketers.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GCC, stated, “The UAE has a long history of hosting world-class cricket, and I am thrilled that the Beyond Boundaries Initiative has landed on our shores. We aim to create welcoming and inspiring environments that benefit both local communities and budding cricketers, fostering a sense of belonging and passion for a sport that transcends borders and cultures. The initiative is a significant step in our commitment to championing cricket at a grassroots level, and we look forward to the game going from strength to strength in this region.”

Harbajan Singh, 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup winner, expressed his thoughts on the launch, “Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of cricket, it is fantastic to see DP World’s efforts to elevate the game through the Beyond Boundaries Initiative. Cricket in the UAE is flourishing at the elite level through the DP World ILT20, and it is incredibly heartening to see DP World’s commitment to creating a sustainable eco-system that will allow young people the opportunity to engage with this brilliant sport.”

This next phase of the Beyond Boundaries Initiative builds upon its successful launch at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India last October. Across the tournament, DP World pledged to deliver 2,500 kits to grassroots cricket clubs and unveiled the first three containers, that delivered 800 kits to local clubs in need.

The continuation of the Beyond Boundaries Initiative takes place during the franchise cricket tournament, DP World ILT20. During the tournament, DP World is furthering the commitment to growing cricket by pledging an additional kit to grassroots cricket for every “six hit” in the tournament.

Maajed Ahmed, Dubai-based contemporary calligrapher and graffiti artist from Saudi Arabia, said of the initiative, “It is an honour to be involved in creating the mural and use contemporary graffiti fused with traditional Arabic calligraphy to depict Sachin through a regional style. The provision of kits and equipment for grassroots cricket is incredibly important, as it supports young people in their passions. Whether it is in art or sport, it is vital to empower young people to go after their dreams.”

The container will be housed at Victoria Cricket Academy, but kits will be donated to grassroots cricket initiatives across the region. The kits will benefit 30 academies across the UAE, including through the Emirati Cricket Board, GForce Cricket Academy, Maxtalent Global Sports, and MS Academy.

Andrew Russell, ILT20 Tournament Director, remarked, “DP World’s commitment to the game of cricket worldwide is clear to see, and through both their partnership with the DP World ILT20 and the arrival of the Beyond Boundaries Initiative in the UAE, it is brilliant to see their support at every level in the region. Cricket in the UAE is growing and the support of DP World is incredibly impactful.’”

As part of a five-year pledge, DP World will continue to leverage its interconnected global network and smart logistics capabilities across 75 countries and six continents to distribute the repurposed containers at strategic locations around the world. The first three Beyond Boundaries Initiative containers were rolled out in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai as part of India hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023.