Ahmed bin Mohammed Launches Elite Club to Foster Top Athletic Talent

Photo : Dubai government media office

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the UAE’s National Olympic Committee (NOC), has announced the establishment of the Elite Club, an initiative introduced under a new vision that aligns with the NOC’s statutes and the standards set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Elite Club will play a key role in identifying, nurturing, and developing outstanding UAE athletes across a range of sports, aiming to foster a new generation of talent ready to represent the nation in international arenas.

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The announcement of the Elite Club came during an Extraordinary Meeting of the NOC General Assembly, held in Dubai and presided over by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed. This meeting served as an opportunity for His Highness to share his strategic vision for the future of the UAE’s Olympic movement from 2024 to 2028. Key NOC figures attending the meeting included Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the NOC; His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Vice President of the NOC and Chair of its Executive Board; and His Excellency Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of the NOC, along with General Assembly and Board of Directors members.

The Elite Club’s mission is to provide an ideal environment for UAE athletes to excel, offering advanced training, comprehensive support programs, and the essential technical and financial backing needed to achieve success at regional and international levels. This new initiative will operate under the oversight of the NOC, in collaboration with relevant sports authorities, to help athletes achieve excellence in line with Olympic values and principles. To oversee the Elite Club’s development, the NOC’s Secretary-General will prepare a structured management proposal focusing on effective resource allocation. This proposal will be presented to His Highness within a month for approval.

At the same meeting, the NOC General Assembly approved the extension of the current Board of Directors' term, ensuring continuity until the end of the 2028 Olympic Games. Should any vacancy arise on the Board during this period, the necessary legal steps will be taken to fill the position as outlined in Article 50 of the NOC Statute.

The NOC also adopted a comprehensive technical and sports vision focused on promoting core sports values, advancing competitive sports, and enhancing support for women’s sports. The NOC’s new vision includes initiatives to foster a healthy, active lifestyle across UAE society, aligning with national goals and Olympic principles. In partnership with national sports federations, the NOC will oversee the development of teams meeting international standards, guided by modern scientific methods and an institutional framework, to ensure UAE athletes are well-prepared for events within the 2024–2028 Olympic cycle. This vision seeks to position the UAE as a formidable contender on international and Olympic stages.

To further strengthen the UAE’s role in the global sports community, the NOC will prioritize building partnerships with international sports organizations. This focus on international collaboration aims to boost the UAE’s standing in the Olympic field. The NOC’s Secretary-General has been tasked with liaising with the IOC and other international bodies, particularly in areas related to hosting Olympic events, joint programs, and initiatives designed to enhance the UAE’s expertise in sports leadership.

The meeting also included approval for the opening of the NOC’s new headquarters in Dubai, scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. The General Secretariat will work closely with affiliated sports federations to coordinate the relocation to the new facility, ensuring a smooth transition within the specified timeframe. The Secretary-General will provide a detailed report on the progress of the headquarters transition to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the NOC, was appointed Chairman of the Advisory Council, in accordance with Article 40 of the NOC’s regulatory framework. Additionally, the meeting approved the establishment of a Sports Arbitration Council under the UAE Sports Arbitration Centre for the 2024–2028 term, guided by Federal Law No. 16 of 2016. His Excellency Jamal Hamed Al Marri will serve as chairman of the council, with members representing various sectors of UAE sports, including legal experts and representatives from individual and team sports.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly meeting, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed took a commemorative photograph with top UAE athletes from the inaugural GCC Youth Games, held last April. This event saw the UAE’s young athletes excel, securing 296 medals and winning first place in the overall standings.

With the launch of the Elite Club and the strategic initiatives discussed during this Extraordinary Meeting, the UAE’s National Olympic Committee is taking significant steps toward a future of sports excellence. Guided by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed’s vision, these initiatives aim to elevate the UAE’s athletic achievements and reinforce the nation’s standing in the international sports arena.