Page 68 - MOS PR REPORT FEBRUARY 2026

2/11/26, 10:27 AM Sports Coordination Council holds 1st meeting of 2026 to exchange visions, plans and unify efforts to advance the sports dev…
The presentation also underscored how these regulations align with the best international practices, the Olympic
Charter provisions, the regulations of international sports federations, the UAE National Olympic Committee’s

statutes, and national laws and approved governance frameworks. This ensures both institutional autonomy and good
administration of the sports electoral system.

The Council also discussed the UAE’s participation in the Winter Olympic Games, being hosted by the Italian cities

of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo from 6 to 22 February. The members highlighted the significance of this historic
first-time participation, serving as a clear reflection of the remarkable progress achieved by the national sports

ecosystem. It further contributes to strengthening the national Olympic movement by driving participation in various
Olympic categories. In this edition of the Olympics, the UAE is being represented by athletes Alexander Astridge

and Piera Hudson, competing in alpine skiing events.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry and the NOC to
steadfastly supporting athletes and relevant federations, enabling them to represent the UAE at international sports
platforms and Olympic forums. He also wished the participating athletes’ success, hoping for outcomes that reflect

the UAE’s thriving sports ecosystem and add to its impressive record of achievements.

H.E. emphasized the Council’s role as an effective platform for member entities to exchange insights and plans. He
further stated that by enhancing coordination between various sports organisations and partners throughout the UAE,

the Council seeks to facilitate the transition from fragmented work within the sports sector to an integrated national
ecosystem.

Also, Al Falasi stated: “To ensure that all efforts are unified and integrated, and to leverage the skills of each emirate,

we are focusing on exploring and coordinating sporting agendas across the UAE. We are committed to contributing
towards achieving the goals of the 2026 ‘Year of Family,’ and constantly supporting community initiatives that foster

a culture of sports among society and ensure seamless access to sports for all family members across the UAE.”

In turn, H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports, highlighted the importance
of discussing the regulations governing the formation of election committees and electoral appeals committees,
noting that this reflects the commitment of those responsible for the sports system to uphold the principles of good

governance, enhance transparency, and ensure equal opportunities within the institutional sports framework in the
UAE.

Further, H.E. affirmed that unifying the regulatory frameworks and adhering to the approved laws and legislations,

in full compliance with the Sports Law in the UAE and its executive regulations, has a significant impact on
improving performance efficiency and achieving institutional excellence across all sports entities, thereby

contributing to driving comprehensive development in the national sports sector.

For his part, H.E. Faris Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of the UAE National Olympic Committee, remarked that
robust institutional integration and continued coordination among relevant entities within the UAE’s sports

ecosystem are key to advancing the strategic objectives of the national Olympic movement. This will also help

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