Rising star Ghanim eyes UAE League title

Following the footsteps of his father, the former UAE national team star and referee Omar Mohammed Zubair Al Marzooqi, Ghanim Omar Mohammed Al Marzooqi is swiftly carving a name for himself as one of the UAE’s most promising handball prodigies.

Ghanim is the second son of Dubai Police Major Omar Al Zubair, whose deep-rooted love for sport clearly left its mark on his children.

Both Ghanim and his elder brother chose the same path, embracing the beautiful game. While his older brother eventually stepped away from the court due to the demands of his challenging job, Ghanim remained devoted — carrying forward the family’s sporting legacy with passion.

Ghanim’s journey began at the age of four, inspired by his father’s extraordinary career. Omar Al Zubair is a celebrated figure in UAE sports, having played for Al Nasr club from 1983 to 1998, before making history as the first Emirati, Arab, and Asian referee to officiate a World Cup final in handball.

His presence at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, as well as multiple youth and junior world finals, earned him some of the UAE’s highest sports honours.

Omar Al Zubair’s achievements have earned him top honours, including the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Sports Creativity and the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Award for Sports Excellence. Outside sports, he runs a Majlis to celebrate achievers and inspire young people.

“My journey in handball sport began in 2010 when I was just four years old. At first, it was just something fun to try, but from the moment I stepped onto the training pitch, I fell in love with the game. That love has only grown stronger over the years,” said the 19-year-old Emirati player.

From 2010 to 2024, Ghanim played for Shabab Al Ahli club, rising through the youth ranks and becoming a key figure in the team’s development structure.

One of the most unforgettable moments in Ghanim’s career came in 2019, when he won a championship representing Shabab Al Ahli.

His talent soon earned him a place on the U-17 UAE national team, representing the country in the Asian Championship in Bahrain, where he displayed both technical skill and tactical maturity beyond his years.

In 2024, Ghanim embarked on a new chapter by joining Al Wasl club for a year, embracing fresh challenges and opportunities to refine his skills and broaden his experience. However, his heart remains with Shabab Al Ahli, and he is set to return to his home club upon completing his one-year stint.

“My dream is to play for the UAE senior national team and help bring home all the major titles — not just for the country, but also for Shabab Al Ahli, the club I want to stay with for many years to come.

“My biggest goal is to lead Shabab Al Ahli to glory by winning the UAE Men’s Handball League and the prestigious Asian Handball Championship,” he said.

“It’s been over seven years since our club last lifted the league title, and that gap is something I carry with me every time I step on the court. I want to be part of the team that brings it back — not just for the club’s legacy, but also for the fans, the community, and everyone who believes in the spirit of Shabab Al Ahli.

“Winning both domestic and continental titles is not just a dream; it’s a mission I am fully committed to,” he added.