Page 17 - MOS PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Vice President of the NOC and Chairman of the Executive
Board; His Excellency Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the NOC; as well as
members of the General Assembly and the Board of Directors.

In his remarks to the General Assembly, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum affirmed that leading national institutions is both an honour and a profound
responsibility, one that must be fulfilled with dedication and loyalty. He noted that this role reflects
the deep trust placed in him by national sports figures who have shaped the Olympic movement
with determination and perseverance, always keeping the UAE’s sporting progress at the heart of
their mission, without seeking recognition or acclaim. Their contributions have been instrumental
in driving sporting success and achievements at every level, he added.

His Highness emphasised that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, during his 16-year presidency of the NOC, had a
profound impact on the diverse achievements witnessed by the national Olympic movement. His
leadership established a lasting legacy and brought significant value to this vital sector, which
reflects the UAE’s success and advancement on the global sporting stage.

His Highness also praised the remarkable efforts and constant endeavours of all former presidents
of the NOC since its establishment in 1979. His Highness added that these efforts laid a strong
foundation for the Olympic movement in the UAE, enabling its continuous growth and
development. The UAE has since achieved exceptional milestones, including its historic first
Olympic medal at the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, when Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin
Hasher Al Maktoum won gold in the men’s double trap shooting event. Other key achievements
include the UAE's successful hosting of the 8th edition of the SportAccord International Convention
in 2010 — the first time it was held in the Middle East — and the 2018 Youth Olympic Games silver
medal in show jumping won by rider Omar Al Marzooqi, which marked a new chapter for Emirati
athletes.

His Highness stressed that sustaining the success of the national Olympic movement requires the
collective efforts of all stakeholders — including sports federations and organisations involved in
Olympic affairs — to ensure athletes receive the support and environment they need to excel and
uphold the UAE’s legacy of sporting excellence on the global stage.

The meeting also included the presentation of the International Olympic Committee’s approval of
the NOC General Assembly’s resolution to extend the mandate of the Board of Directors for the
2024–2028 Olympic cycle. The meeting also approved the NOC’s technical and administrative
report for 2024, as well as its strategic vision and Olympic activity plan for the same period. These
approvals reaffirm the NOC’s active role as a prominent member of major continental and
international sports bodies and its commitment to supporting events held under their umbrella,
reflecting the UAE’s dedication to fostering the Olympic spirit and promoting values of excellence,
friendship, and respect.

The Assembly further ratified the NOC’s final accounts for the 2024 fiscal year, its proposed budget

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