With the sponsorship of leading UAE telecommunications provider, du, Red Bull Street Style is bringing its hugely-popular freestyle soccer competition to Dubai on November 13th for the UAE finals in Uptown Mirdiff in Dubai. There, the top 32 UAE players selected during qualifying rounds held across the country will showcase their agility, creativity and style for a chance to participate in February, 2010 at the Grand Finale of Red Bull Street Style in Cape Town, South Africa.

Red Bull Street Style introduces an exciting new sport to soccer players around the world. With a strong focus on today’s younger players, freestyle soccer requires many of the skills that help players succeed in traditional soccer, but places increased emphasis on unique moves and creative flare. Individual inventiveness is vital. The selection process used for each country’s elimination contest may vary, but the rules for the final are set.

“du is delighted to partner with Red Bull Street Style and to bring the thrilling moves and creativity of freestyle soccer to the UAE,” said Hala Badri, EVP Brand and Communications, du. “As the UAE’s innovative telecommunications provider, we are pleased to support a competition that gives the young people of the UAE a unique opportunity to express themselves and to share their inventiveness with the world. We look forward to some amazing freestyle soccer action in the coming weeks, and we encourage young people across the country to participate in what is sure to be a memorable and fun-filled event.”

Five qualifying rounds will take place in various locations across the UAE prior to the finals in Dubai. “3 minutes, 2 players, 1 ball” is the theme for each qualifying “battle” in which two players square off in a one-on-one duel. They take alternating 20-second turns with the ball, using their time to show off the best of their artistic moves to the beat of break-dance and hip-hop music. Winners advance to subsequent rounds, with players eliminated as the competition grows fiercer. In the finals, the judges will evaluate a three-minute ‘flow’ performance by each finalist based on criteria such as control, creativity and style.

Dates and locations for qualifying rounds across the UAE are:

Sharjah, 09 October, 2009.
Ras Al Khaimah, 16 October, 2009.
Al Ain, 23 October, 2009.
Abu Dhabi, 30 October, 2009.
Dubai, 06 November, 2009.

The winner of each of the qualifying round will advance to the final competition that will take place at Uptown Mirdiff on November 13th.

There are no limits other than the standard prohibition of the use of hands and a requirement that the ball and performer stay within a 7-metre wide (27-foot) competition area. The winner will be the person who performs the best tricks using imagination, balance and athletic moves while keeping control of the soccer ball. Great ball control is essential, and both creativity and stylish finesse are vital for success.

Red Bull Street Style is a head-to-head battle of skill and creativity, attracting football lovers aged 14 to 30. To participate in this unique event, Street Stylers are invited to call the Red Bull Street Style hotline at 055-6621812 or visit www.redbullstreetstyle.com