The event, to be sponsored by Etisalat, will attract players from eleven countries including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen, Iraq and 23 players from the AGCC countries except Oman. Each country will be represented by four players. Sultan Al Joker, secretary general of the UAE Snooker and Billiads Association, addressing the media at the Metropolitan Hotel here on Saturday night, said the championship would give billiards enthusiasts in the region another opportunity to demonstrate their skills.

He thanked the sponsors whose support has made the event possible."Etisalat is one of the leading corporations in the nation, lending its support to various sports activities. Through this event, the corporation has taken on the role of giving athletes a chance to participate in a regional championship." Ghannem Al Marri, assistant general manager of Etisalat in Dubai, in his response, thanked the organisers for the chance to support the event.

"Billiards is considered an exciting sport. The sport has succeeded in attracting a steady following. We are pleased that Billiards has attracted a large section of the UAE community as a result of the efforts of the UAE Snooker and Billiards Association." Hisham Ahmed, managing director of Promaster, the organisers of the tournament, giving details of the format, said the players would be divided into eight groups of eight players each.