Ahmed Bin Mohammed Directs Launch Of Elite Club To Enhance Athlete Development In UAE

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), has initiated the Elite Club with a fresh vision. This initiative aligns with the NOC Statutes and International Olympic Committee (IOC) standards. The club's purpose is to discover, nurture, and advance talented athletes across various sports disciplines.

The announcement took place during an Extraordinary Meeting of the NOC's General Assembly in Dubai. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed chaired this session, presenting his vision for the UAE's Olympic movement from 2024 to 2028. Attendees included Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, and other key members.

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The Elite Club aims to create an ideal environment for athletes by offering advanced training programmes and technical and financial support. This initiative seeks to achieve remarkable results at regional and international levels, enhancing UAE sports' global standing in line with Olympic values.

Under the supervision of the NOC, the club will coordinate with relevant entities for its launch. The Secretary-General is responsible for developing a comprehensive management proposal and assessing financial resource allocation mechanisms. This proposal will be submitted to His Highness within a month for approval.

During the meeting, it was decided that the current Board of Directors' term would extend until the end of the 2028 Olympic Games. This extension applies regardless of whether the Games are held or postponed. The Board must take necessary legal actions if any seat becomes vacant during this period as per Article (50) of the NOC statute.

The General Assembly also approved the NOC’s technical and sports vision. This vision focuses on fostering sporting values, supporting competitive sports, enhancing athlete performance, and promoting women's sports. Additionally, it encourages a healthy lifestyle through sustainable initiatives reflecting national goals aligned with Olympic principles.

The NOC oversees technical aspects of all sports federations according to Sports Law, Executive Regulations, and NOC Statutes. It collaborates with federations to prepare national teams using modern scientific methods for events during 2024–2028, aiming to elevate UAE’s status internationally.

Furthermore, the NOC plans to establish partnerships with international sports organisations by promoting joint efforts with global bodies to empower national leaders in the Olympic field. The Secretary-General will coordinate with IOC regarding decisions made during this meeting and liaise on hosting related events in UAE.

New Headquarters Approval

The General Assembly approved opening a new headquarters for the Committee in Dubai by early 2025. The General Secretariat will coordinate with member sports federations about office locations and facilitate their transition within this timeframe. A detailed report on this matter will be submitted to His Highness within a month from approval date.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi was appointed as Chairman of the Advisory Council of NOC according to Article (40) of its Statutes. He is tasked with forming this council following applicable regulations.

Sports Arbitration Council Formation

Additionally approved was forming a Sports Arbitration Council for UAE Sports Arbitration Centre for 2024–2028 term under Federal Law No.(16)of 2016 regarding UAE Sports Arbitration Centre & Article(11)of NOC’s Statutes.The Assembly expressed gratitude towards outgoing Chairman & members who served during 2020–2024 term.

Jamal Hamed Al Marri will chair newly appointed Sports Arbitration Council alongside members like Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri representing General Authority Of Sports; Mohammed Juma Al Suwaidi; Dr.Faisal Hassan Ahmed both legal experts; Shehab Hamad Bu Shehab representing individual sports; Moza Buharoon Alshamsi representing sports expertise & Abdullah Khamis Buamim representing team sports.

On sidelines of General Assembly meeting,H.H.Sheikh Ahmed posed for commemorative photo with gold medalists from first edition GCC Youth Games hosted by UAE last April.The event featured 3,500 athletes from GCC countries where UAE secured first place overall amassing total 296 medals.

With inputs from WAM