• A Palestinian rides a horse during a horse race on the grounds of Yasser Arafat Airport in eastern Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 28 June 2022. The Yasser Arafat Airport, opened in November 1998, is not operational since December 2001 after the facility buildings were targeted by Israeli airstrikes, while the runway was damaged by Israeli bulldozers in 2002. EPA / MOHAMMED SABER
    A Palestinian rides a horse during a horse race on the grounds of Yasser Arafat Airport in eastern Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 28 June 2022. The Yasser Arafat Airport, opened in November 1998, is not operational since December 2001 after the facility buildings were targeted by Israeli airstrikes, while the runway was damaged by Israeli bulldozers in 2002. EPA / MOHAMMED SABER
  • Jockeys compete in a race at the airfield.
    Jockeys compete in a race at the airfield.
  • The airport has not operated since December 2001 after it was hit by Israeli air strikes.
    The airport has not operated since December 2001 after it was hit by Israeli air strikes.
  • A Palestinian girl stands near destroyed buildings on the grounds of the airport.
    A Palestinian girl stands near destroyed buildings on the grounds of the airport.
  • The runway was damaged by Israeli bulldozers in 2002.
    The runway was damaged by Israeli bulldozers in 2002.
  • A person sits on an arch of a destroyed airport building.
    A person sits on an arch of a destroyed airport building.
  • The airport was officially opened on November 24, 1998, by the late Palestinian ledaer Yasser Arafat, in the presence of former US president Bill Clinton and other world leaders.
    The airport was officially opened on November 24, 1998, by the late Palestinian ledaer Yasser Arafat, in the presence of former US president Bill Clinton and other world leaders.
  • Since its destruction, the site has become derelict, with no authority managing it.
    Since its destruction, the site has become derelict, with no authority managing it.
  • Youths play near a destroyed building on the grounds of the airport.
    Youths play near a destroyed building on the grounds of the airport.
  • Over the years, Gaza residents have been racing horses, camels and cars at the site.
    Over the years, Gaza residents have been racing horses, camels and cars at the site.

MENA

Horse racing at abandoned Gaza airport - in pictures

The facility has not operated since December 2001

The National

June 29, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

More from The National:

Impoverished Gaza yields a wealth of historical treasures

Mayyas founder on 'America's Got Talent' triumph: Everything happened in slow motion

Saudi Arabia's first woman autocross instructor - in pictures

Louvre Abu Dhabi unveils first artefacts on loan from the Philippines

Martin Sabbagh profile

Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East

In the role: Since January 2015

Lives: In the UAE

Background: M&A, investment banking

Studied: Corporate finance

TCL INFO

Teams:
Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi
Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag
Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC
Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC
Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan

Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes
When December 14-17

Updated: June 29, 2022, 1:22 PM
GazaPhotography