ABU DHABI - President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has decided to grant a bonus of AED 4 million to players, administrators and coaches of the UAE under-17 football team for winning the 6th Gulf Championship, held recently in Al Ain.

The President lauded the UAE capturing of the title of the 6th Gulf championship as " a remarkable achievement" which crowned tireless preparations. He wished them good luck in the final rounds of the Asia Cup which will be staged in Al Ain over the next two weeks. He also hoped the team would produce positive results in the finals of the World Cup 2009 in Nigeria. Shaikh Khalifa commended sports achievements made by the UAE in Arab and international championships and efforts dedicated by the UAE young sportsmen in all sectors of sports.

"Every sport achievement will raise the UAE flag a loft and further polish its image regionally and internationally, " the President said. Shaikh Khalifa instructed the UAE Football Association (UFA) to lend special care to the team. He said the players had deserved the title for their merit and competence after they had offered a commendable, high spirit and wonderful performance.

The President also urged the players to hone their skills and maintain physical fitness in order to bag more titles.

The President also called the UFA to draw lessons and benefit from international expertise so to serve interest and develop UAE sports and empower young nationals with professional skills of the world sports by nurturing and developing knowledge and capacities through foreign camps, training centres and exchanging players and teams with other parts of the world.