Page 75 - MOS PR REPORT FEBRUARY 2026

Sports Coordination Council Holds 1st Meeting Of 2026

14 hours ago

The Sports Coordination Council held its first meeting of 2026, chaired by Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi,
Minister of Sports, with the participation of senior sports officials and representatives
of Federal and local government entities.

During the meeting, the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) reviewed regulations governing
the legal formation of a central elections committee and a unified electoral appeals committee.
The NOC highlighted the importance of unified electoral procedures and a standardised regulatory
framework to enhance integrity, equal opportunity and procedural fairness
across sports federations, in line with internationally recognised Olympic standards.

The presentation emphasised alignment with best international practices, the Olympic Charter,
regulations of international sports federations, the NOC’s statutes, and national legislation,
ensuring institutional autonomy and sound governance of the sports electoral system.

The Council also discussed the UAE’s participation in the Winter Olympic Games, hosted
by Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from 6th to 22nd February. Members underlined the significance of
the UAE’s first participation, reflecting the progress of the national sports ecosystem and
supporting the expansion of the Olympic movement. The UAE is represented by Alexander Astridge
and Piera Hudson in alpine skiing events.

Al Falasi reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Sports and the NOC to supporting athletes
and federations to represent the UAE at international platforms. He stressed the Council’s role in
strengthening coordination among sports entities and advancing an integrated
national sports ecosystem.
He also said that the Council is working to align sporting agendas nationwide to contribute to the
goals of the 2026 Year of Family and to support community initiatives that promote a culture of
sport and inclusive access for all family members.

Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, said that
discussing election regulations reflects a strong commitment to good governance, transparency
and equal opportunity within the UAE’s sports system. He added that unified regulatory frameworks
contribute to improved institutional performance and excellence across sports entities.

Faris Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of the UAE National Olympic Committee, said that institutional
integration and coordination are essential to advancing the national Olympic movement and
upholding principles of autonomy, transparency and good governance in line with international
standards.

The Council also reviewed other agenda items, stressing the importance of continued coordination
among member entities to support the objectives of the UAE National Sports Strategy 2031 and
strengthen the UAE’s regional and global sporting position.

https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/sports-coordination-council-holds-1st-meeting-of-
2026/ar-AA1W4yCE