ABU DHABI // The first ever roller derby in the region took place on Friday, with more than 20 women in roller-skates and pads clashing at the Du Forum on Yas Island.

Teams from Dubai and Abu Dhabi had been preparing for this event since 2013, when leagues in each city were formed. This is the first exhibition bout between two leagues in the region.

“This is an exhibition bout, which means we have skaters playing roller derby at different skills level, from low contact (for those who have just started), to full contact (for the more experienced skaters),” said Brazilian Milene Bizachi, 36, who was on the Abu Dhabi team.

Abu Dhabi Roller Derby had 17 skaters to Dubai Roller Derby’s 12 but teams mixed during the game on Friday.

“We want to encourage people to come to one of our ‘fresh meat’ or ‘new skater’ nights, as well as getting people to know more about this sport,” said Ms Bizachi, who is the president of the Abu Dhabi League.

“We hope that in the future we can have a full contact bout, Abu Dhabi versus Dubai, or maybe even invite the only other two roller derby leagues in the region, Cairo Rollers and Roller Derby Beirut, to come over for a game.”

The fun-filled game looks dangerous but it is perfectly safe in part due to the safety equipment worn, and it is also great exercise.

Indian Namitha Jaseem, 25, came from Dubai to take part. “I have been playing for the last two years,” she said. “When first I started I didn’t know to skate around. Then I learnt the safety, agility and strategy to skate.

“I practice twice a week in Dubai and we have recreational and competitive leagues for different abilities and interests as well.

“The game really makes me feel strong and healthy. This is good exercise.”

Canadian Tracie Scott, 37, a skater and one of the organisers, said: “This is first time that a women’s roller derby is being played in the Middle East.

“We’ve been doing this for a couple of years here in the UAE and women are taking an interest. We are trying to engage more and more people to come and play the game.”

The rules of roller derby state that it is a game played by two teams of five members roller-skating in the same direction around a track. Game play consists of a series of short matchups (“jams”) in which both teams designate a scoring player (the “jammer”) who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. The teams attempt to hinder the opposing jammer while assisting their own jammer.

“This is an exciting time because we have been preparing for this game since 2013, when both leagues [Abu Dhabi and Dubai] were founded,” Ms Bizachi said.

“The sport is also unique as both our leagues have female-only players.”

The event was open to the public for free.

anwar@thenational.ae