Dubai Launches Elite Club to Elevate UAE’s Sporting Excellence

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the UAE’s National Olympic Committee (NOC), has directed the establishment of the Elite Club.

This new initiative, announced during an extraordinary meeting of the NOC’s General Assembly, aims to foster, support, and develop exceptional athletes in alignment with International Olympic Committee (IOC) standards.

The club is designed to provide promising athletes with advanced training, technical support, and financial resources, enhancing their performance in regional and international arenas. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed’s vision for the 2024–2028 Olympic cycle emphasizes a commitment to nurturing talent, promoting Olympic values, and raising the UAE’s profile in competitive sports.

Key attendees at the meeting included Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the NOC, and Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, among others. The General Assembly approved an extension of the NOC’s Board of Directors’ term through 2028, with Sheikh Rashid also appointed as Chairman of the NOC’s new Advisory Council.

Additionally, the assembly endorsed the NOC’s technical and sports vision, focusing on women’s sports, community wellness initiatives, and scientific training methods. The committee further approved a new NOC headquarters in Dubai, set to open in early 2025.

Highlighting the UAE’s athletic success, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed honored GCC Youth Games gold medalists, commemorating the UAE’s leadership in the event, where the nation amassed 296 medals.

This ambitious initiative marks a transformative chapter for UAE sports, aiming to foster Olympic-level achievements through strategic investment and international collaboration.

News Source: Emirates News Agency