Mansoor bin Mohammed chairs board meeting of UAE Olympic Committee

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, affirmed that the UAE’s ambitious vision and pioneering approach towards human development across all sectors sends a strong message to institutions and organisations: the importance of diversifying ideas, adopting effective strategies, and helping shape a brighter future for the coming generations. He noted that these national priorities are closely aligned with the objectives, values, and scope of the Olympic Movement.

His Highness emphasised the importance of integrating the core principles of the Olympic Movement into everyday life, particularly in areas such as health, education, culture, the arts, the environment, and entertainment – all of which fall within the mandate of the UAE Olympic Committee. He noted that the UAE’s Olympic successes are rooted in foundational values that mirror the progress of Emirati society and its alignment with Olympic ideals such as peace, friendship, excellence, and respect.

His Highness added that the growth of the Olympic Movement directly contributes to athletes’ success and performance on the international stage — an overarching objective that unites all efforts to ensure the UAE flag flies high at the world’s most prestigious sporting events.

His Highness made these remarks during the meeting of the UAE Olympic Committee’s Board of Directors, held today at the Committee’s headquarters in Dubai, which he chaired. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sport, Vice President of the UAE Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Executive Office; His Excellency Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the Committee; and members of the Board.

The Board resolved to initiate the legal procedures required to rename National Olympic Committee as UAE Olympic Committee, in line with international practices adopted by National Olympic Committees worldwide.

His Highness also congratulated the UAE delegation on its exceptional performance at the 3rd GCC Beach Games, Muscat 2025, held from 5 to 11 April. The 330-strong delegation achieved a record haul of 23 medals — eight gold, eight silver, and seven bronze, marking the UAE’s best-ever result at the event. His Highness commended the athletes and national federations for their efforts in preparing the teams, noting the UAE’s consistent participation in all three editions of the Games: securing five medals in Bahrain (2010), 10 in Qatar (2015), and now a historic 23 in Oman.

The meeting also reviewed the UAE’s upcoming participation in major sporting events this year, including the World Games in Chengdu, China (7–17 August 2025), and the 3rd Asian Youth Games in the Kingdom of Bahrain (22–30 October 2025).

Board members discussed the possibility of organising a workshop on the recently adopted revisions to the IOC Olympic Charter, which came into effect on 30 January 2025. These amendments mark a significant milestone in the evolution of the global Olympic Movement, particularly in areas related to athlete eligibility, qualification systems, hosting rights, and the enhanced role of National Olympic Committees in the selection of host cities.

The session also reviewed the proposed timeline for hosting the Sports Law and Governance Conference, the composition of upcoming UAE sports delegations, and potential future hosting bids, including a proposed bid for SportAccord 2027. Preparations for the UAE’s participation in the OCA General Assembly and the GCC NOC Presidents’ Meeting — both scheduled to take place in Kuwait this May — were also discussed.

The meeting also reviewed a presentation on the electronic platform for sports participation, which was officially launched last month following the signing of the programme, witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The initiative, jointly developed by the Ministry of Sport and the UAE Olympic Committee, aims to drive digital transformation and foster innovation in the sports sector.

The Board also approved the strategic plan of the Olympic Planning Committee, centred around three core objectives: strengthening sports governance and administration, advancing sports leadership, and empowering athletes. In addition, the Board reviewed and endorsed the recommendations put forward by the Committee on Marketing and Financial Resources.

Among the key outcomes of the meeting was the approval of the ‘Best Member Federation Award,’ which will honour outstanding Olympic federations based on a comprehensive set of criteria. These include: sporting achievements; programme delivery; community and media engagement; innovation and digital transformation; female participation; talent development; governance and leadership; financial sustainability; infrastructure quality; international standing; alignment with global standards; and environmental sustainability.

At the end of the session, His Highness posed for a commemorative photograph with the UAE athletes who secured podium finishes at the 3rd GCC Beach Games – Muscat 2025.