UAE Launches National Service Athlete Programme to Support Elite Sports Talent
The UAE has launched the National Service Athlete Programme, a new initiative that allows elite Emirati athletes to continue training and competing while fulfilling their national service obligations.
Unveiled at a special event organised by the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Defence, the programme aims to integrate top athletes into structured training during their service and enable participation in key competitions that impact international rankings and Olympic qualifications.
The first cohort includes athletes preparing for major events such as the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026 and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Participants span a wide range of disciplines, including athletics, fencing, equestrian, archery, and combat sports.
The programme reflects a broader national strategy to empower youth, strengthen physical readiness, and align sports development with the UAE's vision for the future. It also supports the goals of the National Sports Strategy 2031 and the wider 'We the UAE 2031' agenda.
Officials said the initiative will help identify new talent, promote discipline through sport, and prepare a generation of well-rounded Emiratis capable of representing the country on the global stage.
A joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Defence, and other stakeholders will oversee the implementation, including athlete assessments, tournament participation, and collaborative workshops focused on coaching and fitness development.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hi Dubai
3 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
UAE Launches National Service Athlete Programme to Support Elite Sports Talent
The UAE has launched the National Service Athlete Programme, a new initiative that allows elite Emirati athletes to continue training and competing while fulfilling their national service obligations. Unveiled at a special event organised by the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Defence, the programme aims to integrate top athletes into structured training during their service and enable participation in key competitions that impact international rankings and Olympic qualifications. The first cohort includes athletes preparing for major events such as the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026 and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Participants span a wide range of disciplines, including athletics, fencing, equestrian, archery, and combat sports. The programme reflects a broader national strategy to empower youth, strengthen physical readiness, and align sports development with the UAE's vision for the future. It also supports the goals of the National Sports Strategy 2031 and the wider 'We the UAE 2031' agenda. Officials said the initiative will help identify new talent, promote discipline through sport, and prepare a generation of well-rounded Emiratis capable of representing the country on the global stage. A joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Defence, and other stakeholders will oversee the implementation, including athlete assessments, tournament participation, and collaborative workshops focused on coaching and fitness development. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
5 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses launch of ‘National Service Athlete Program'
9 June 2025 15:06 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, on Monday witnessed the launch of the 'National Service Athlete Program', a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of programme is designed to support elite Emirati athletes enlisted in national service by integrating them into tailored sports programmes. It enables them to continue their training and skill development during their service period and to participate in competitions that impact their international rankings or qualifications for major global launch was held at a special event organised by the Ministry of Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence. The event was attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, and Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs. During the event, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed met with recruits forming the programme's first Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed reaffirmed that supporting elite athletes is a national priority aligned with the UAE leadership's vision of empowering Emiratis across all sectors — including sports, which plays a pivotal role in shaping character and enhancing the nation's global profile by nurturing young national talent.'Athletes are our ambassadors on the global stage. We are committed to creating an environment that enables them to thrive. The integration of national service with athletic development strengthens the physical and mental capabilities of our youth, preparing them to be future leaders and guardians of our national achievements, while instilling discipline and dedication,' His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Highness added: 'The launch of the 'National Service Athlete Program' reflects a strong spirit of collaboration between government entities to support high-performing athletes, uncover new talent, and develop champions who will proudly represent the UAE. We believe physical readiness and competitive spirit are shared values between sports and national service. This programme lays the foundation for a long-term strategic pathway that advances our national vision."Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi said: 'This programme marks a significant step in developing national sports and supporting the physical readiness of our elite athletes during national service. It harnesses the combined strengths of both ministries to strengthen national identity and deliver on the strategic priority of building a healthy and active society.'He added: 'The programme directly contributes to the goals of the 'National Sports Strategy 2031', particularly in promoting physical activity among Emirati youth and enhancing their athletic and professional capabilities. It also supports the wider ambitions of 'We the UAE 2031' to empower our youth and ensure their ability to serve the nation with the highest level of commitment and excellence.'Commenting on the programme, Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei said: 'We are committed to channelling the potential of our youth into paths that benefit the country and enhance their overall readiness. The 'National Service Athlete Program' provides an enabling training environment for elite athletes to continue advancing in their sport while fulfilling their national duty.'He added: 'This initiative also allows us to identify new talent among national service recruits and support them through a flexible system that blends military discipline with athletic excellence. The programme prepares a new generation of well-rounded individuals ready to represent the UAE at the highest levels.'The programme marks a strategic milestone in mobilising national capabilities in service of the country. It aims to sustain and enhance the athletic performance of Emirati athletes during their service, while also enabling their participation in external competitions. Technical teams will conduct assessments and regular evaluations of selected recruits to identify emerging addition, the programme fosters collaboration to strengthen the performance of national service recruits and help uncover their full athletic potential. The inaugural cohort includes athletes who will represent the UAE in major upcoming events, most notably the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, as well as a range of regional and international tournaments. Participants span diverse disciplines including fencing, equestrian, archery, athletics, and combat sports — demonstrating the UAE's commitment to cultivating talent across the full spectrum of programme is built on a robust framework of coordination between both ministries, covering the organisation of joint sports activities, athlete participation in tournaments, and workshops aimed at enhancing sports and fitness capabilities. It also supports knowledge exchange, logistical assistance, and joint efforts in developing technical and administrative expertise in sports coaching and related fields. A joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Defence, and other relevant stakeholders will oversee the implementation of the programme's initiatives. The committee will meet regularly to monitor progress and ensure alignment with shared strategic goals.
Al Etihad
9 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Mubadala Excellence Program to support first Emirati woman in Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship
9 June 2025 10:17 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Powerboat racer Alia Abdul Salam will accelerate to new success after being selected to join the Mubadala Excellence Program (MEP), a community initiative that supports talented individuals across the UAE in the field of sports, arts, culture, and innovation. As part of this milestone, Mubadala joins as the Title Partner for Alia's 2025 Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship season. Her participation marks a historic moment as the first Emirati woman to compete in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship, representing the UAE in upcoming international races in Sweden, Norway, and Italy. This is both a personal milestone and a meaningful reflection of the UAE's growing presence in global sport, and a proud step forward for Emirati women competing in high-performance the Mubadala Excellence Program, she will gain access to support that helps her pursue this passion with purpose, highlighting the programme's mission to unlock potential and foster meaningful community impact. Launched in 2021, MEP is part of Mubadala's commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to a resilient, connected was raised in a sports-focused environment and inspired by her father, Abdul Salam Firooz, a former champion and longtime contributor to marine motorsports. From a young age, she was drawn to the water and began carving her path in the sport, steadily breaking barriers at the local level before stepping onto the global stage. Her journey is defined by ambition, discipline, and a strong commitment to on her journey, Alia shared, 'My goal is to inspire the next generation of Emirati girls to pursue their passions, no matter the challenges. Joining this programme provides me with a broader perspective, allowing me to learn from industry leaders and develop the skills I need to excel in marine sports and beyond. Mubadala's trust in me — and in the ability of Emirati women to succeed globally — is a powerful message, not just for me but for every young girl in the UAE dreaming of taking a different path.''Through this partnership, I hope to encourage more girls to enter the world of motorsports, motivate young people to pursue innovation, and raise the UAE flag high in the world of fast-paced marine sports. It is a privilege and an honour to have Mubadala as Title Partner for this journey.' Career Highlights International Debut – Norway (2024): Secured fifth place in her first international Formula 4 race, competing against more than eight international F4 Powerboat Championship – Round 1, Abu Dhabi: Achieved ninth place among 14 competitors, all young Emiratis and 2, Khorfakkan: Demonstrated adaptability to changing marine conditions and secured seventh place. Round 3, Abu Dhabi: Delivered her strongest performance of the season, placing sixth and earning recognition for technical precision and race strategy.
