Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, presided over a significant meeting of the Committee's General Assembly. The assembly approved the renaming of the Committee to the 'UAE Olympic Committee'.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor highlighted the importance of national institutions' identities, emphasizing that they reflect values rooted in UAE's heritage. These values align with the principles of the Olympic Movement, reinforcing the role of sports in promoting unity and societal values.
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor remarked on the UAE Olympic Committee's history, starting with its foundation on December 19, 1979. The UAE's journey includes notable achievements like its Olympic debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and securing its first Olympic medal in 2004.
The meeting included key figures such as Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, and Faris Mohammed Al Mutawwa, Secretary General of the UAE Olympic Committee. The assembly announced its strategic document, prioritizing governance, athlete empowerment, and promoting Olympic culture.
Significant decisions included endorsing female representation on the Board of Directors, amending the Committee's Statute, and approving electoral systems for sports federations. The UAE Olympic Committee will ensure alignment with these systems within 90 days.
The assembly also approved the admission of the UAE Boxing Federation and inclusion of several sports organizations. Future participations in the 3rd Asian Youth Games and the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games were confirmed, alongside the 2026 Olympic activity plan.
Renaming decisions for sports federations and mandatory compliance with ethical regulations were also highlighted. The launch of the Best Sports Federation Award for the 2024-2028 cycle was announced, and updates on GCC sports federations' regulations were reviewed.
The administrative and financial report of the Emirates Sports Arbitration Centre for 2025 was approved. On the sidelines, Sheikh Mansoor honored UAE delegations for their achievements at recent games and engaged with the UAE Sports Arbitration Centre's Board to strengthen dispute resolution integrity within the sports sector.