The World Airline Bowling Championship (WABC) will be held at the Dubai Bowling Centre from 13th to 15th September 2006 under the patronage of Chairman of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum.

Sixty eight teams from sixteen international airlines have confirmed participation and will compete for the Champion's Trophy. Emirates will field a contingent of six teams and are strong contenders to be among the winners this year.

Mohammed Al Khaja, Chairman of Emirates Airline Bowling Club, which is organising the event, said: "The previous two World Airline bowling tournaments in Dubai have been a great success and the number of participants has increased each year. The Emirates teams have been practicing regularly and are in good form. We are looking forward to winning a few more awards this time."

The team captain's meeting and welcome dinner will be held on 12th September at the Metropolitan Palace Hotel, Dubai. The tournament will be officially opened on 13th September at 0930hrs, with dinner and entertainment the same evening at the Ramada Continental Hotel, Dubai. The Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held at Le Meridien Hotel on 15th September. Trophies for the WABC have been sponsored by Emirates Flight Catering.

The tournament schedule is as follows:

• 13th September - 1000hrs: Team event (Mixed), consisting of four bowlers per team
• 14th September - 0900hrs: Doubles (Male & Female awards)
• 15th September - 0900hrs: Singles (Male & Female awards)
• 15th September - 1730hrs: Masters Events (Male & Female Awards) - the top three highest scoring individuals of the above three events qualify to participate in this event.

Photograph: A participant at the last World Airline Bowling Championship held at the Dubai Bowling Centre.