Latest news with #MansoorBinMohammedBinRashidAlMaktoum
Gulf Today
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Mansoor elected President of UAE National Olympic Committee
The Electoral Committee of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) has announced the election of Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as President of the NOC for the 2024–2028 Olympic term. Sheikh Mansoor secured the presidential seat in accordance with the NOC's statutes and electoral regulations, approved by its Board of Directors. This announcement was made during the Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the UAE NOC in Dubai. Following the announcement of his election, Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired the meeting, which was attended by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Vice President of the NOC and Chairman of the Executive Board; 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, Sheikh Mansoor 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. Sheikh Mansoor emphasised that the vision of 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. Sheikh Mansoor also praised the remarkable efforts and constant endeavours of all former presidents of the NOC since its establishment in 1979. He 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 eighth 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. Sheikh Mansoor 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 for 2025, the audit report for 2024, and the preparation and participation budget for Olympic events under the 2025 activity plan. In addition, the financial and administrative reports of the UAE Sports Arbitration Centre were approved.
Gulf Today
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Mansoor elected President of UAE National Olympic Committee
The Electoral Committee of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) has announced the election of Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as President of the NOC for the 2024–2028 Olympic term. Sheikh Mansoor secured the presidential seat in accordance with the NOC's statutes and electoral regulations, approved by its Board of Directors. This announcement was made during the Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the UAE NOC in Dubai. Following the announcement of his election, Sheikh Mansoor chaired the meeting, which was attended by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Vice President of the NOC and Chairman of the Executive Board; 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, Sheikh Mansoor Al Maktoum affirmed that leading national institutions is both an honour and a profound responsibility, one that must be fulfilled with dedication and loyalty. Sheikh Mansoor 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. Sheikh Mansoor emphasised that the vision of 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. Sheikh Mansoor also praised the remarkable efforts and constant endeavours of all former presidents of the NOC since its establishment in 1979. Sheikh Mansoor 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. Sheikh Mansoor 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 for 2025, the audit report for 2024, and the preparation and participation budget for Olympic events under the 2025 activity plan. In addition, the financial and administrative reports of the UAE Sports Arbitration Centre were approved. During the meeting, Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the NOC, presented the latest amendments to the Olympic Charter, which were adopted on 30 January. These amendments represent a pivotal development in the history of the Olympic movement, particularly with regard to participation process, qualification pathways, and the rights to host and organise the Olympic Games — while also expanding the role of National Olympic Committees in decisions concerning host city selections. At the conclusion of the meeting, Sheikh Mansoor witnessed the signing of an agreement to host the headquarters of national sports federations at the new NOC premises in Dubai. The new headquarters will accommodate 21 national federations representing a range of individual and team sports.
Gulf Today
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Mansoor fetes sponsors and rpartners of NAS Sports Tournament
Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, has expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all national establishments, companies and institutions that sponsored the 12th edition of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, which marked another hugely successful year under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The contributions of the sponsors right through the tournament and their active role in realising the goals of the largest sports tournament of its kind drew lavish praise. The tournament has been instrumental in popularising diverse sporting disciplines amongst the community and enhancing the performance of local athletes by providing a stage for them to compete across a variety of sports alongside top professional and amateur athletes from around across the UAE and the world. Sheikh Mansoor honoured a number of partners and sponsors from government departments, institutions, and companies, presenting each of them a special tournament shield. Partners and sponsors thus feted included Damac Properties, Al Tayer Motors, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, and Dubai Duty Free. Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, also honoured a number of sponsors and partners associated with the tournament, including Insurance Tadawi Healthcare Group, Dubai Police General Command, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Pocari Sweat and Dubai Health. On the final day of the tournament, Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, also honoured supporters, sponsors and partners, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, DP World, and Dubai Sports Channel. The tournament, in its 12th edition, witnessed a notable increase in the number of participants, topping 8,000 athletes, male and female, also recording a jump in the number of sporting disciplines across which competitions were held, at 11. The total prize money offered during the tournament also rose to Dhs4.5 million. This included more than Dhs.4 million for winners of various sporting showpieces held over the three weeks of the tournament. The prize money was distributed in such a manner as to encourage all manner of sports, with Dhs1.5 million allocated for the volleyball competition, Dhs.764,000 for the various Padel events, Dhs500,000 for cycling, Dhs370,000 for tug-of-war, Dhs350,000 each for road races and the Obstacle Challenge, Dhs210,000 for wheelchair basketball, Dhs150,000 for Jiu-Jitsu and Dhs60,000 each for fencing, badminton and Laser Run. The annual tournament presents a significant organisational, technical, and logistical challenge as events are held across several locations at the same time with the sprawling Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex as its focal point. Other major venues this year included the Meydan Racecourse along with the streets of Meydan within the Mohammed Bin Rashid City, and the Dubai Club for People of Determination in Al Ghusais. The importance of a well-coordinated operation involving partners and sponsors from various departments and institutions is therefore critical to the success of the organising committee's efforts. The safety and wellbeing of audiences is given paramount importance while at the same time providing an ideal environment for athletes to compete, win, and advance their skills. The focus on developing home-grown talent is equally crucial and the tournament always makes it a point to provide excellent exposure to local competitors to enhance their technical skills and equip them with the big-stage experience for bigger challenges ahead. The tournament also promotes a sporting culture in society while raising awareness about the benefits of an active lifestyle for health, vitality, and the overall happiness of the community. It is worth noting that, over the past 12 years, the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament has attracted nearly 60,000 athletes, both male and female, and amateurs and professionals, from within and outside the country. The competitions down the years have featured 99 different events under various sporting disciplines. The tournament has witnessed remarkable growth each year since starting off with just over 1,500 participants in the inaugural edition in 2013. The second edition hosted more than 3,000 athletes, while there were 4,000 participants in the third edition, 5,000 in the fourth, 6,000 in the sixth and 7,000 in the seventh year. Even during the COVID outbreak, the eighth edition still attracted 2,500 participants, while the next one had more than 6,000 joining in. There were 5,000 participants in the tenth edition, while the eleventh edition registered a record 7,149 male and female athletes. That record was broken at this year's edition as it witnessed more than 8,000 athletes competing across the 11 sporting disciplines.
Gulf Today
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Moroccan athletes reign supreme in road races at NAS Sports Tournament
Moroccan runners dominated nearly all categories at the road running races held as part of the 12th Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, late on Saturday. By far, the largest sports competition of its kind launched and sponsored by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and held annually during the holy month of Ramadan, Saturday's racing was held at the Meydan Racecourse as one of the NAS Sports Tournament events conducted under the directives of Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, under the slogan 'Limitless Capabilities'. The road runs were a huge success with more than 4,300 athletes participating in various categories. The running race night was attended by Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, and Faris Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the UAE National Olympic Committee, who signalled the start of the men's 5km race. Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, and member of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Sports Council, gave the starting signal for the women's 5km race, while Adel Darwish, member of the UAE Athletics Federation, gave the starting signal for the 4km race. The races were also attended by Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, Hassan Al Mazrouei, Director of the NAS Sports Tournament and Adel Al Bannai, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the tournament. Hogging the limelight were a clutch of runners from Morocco with Yasser Al Shashoui leading a clean sweep for the North African nation while winning the men's 10km race in a time of 27.52 minutes, while countrywoman Ruqayya Al Mazrouei won the women's 10km race with a time of 38.36 minutes. Shashoui was followed by countryman Mohammed Ait Mammas Touda (27.52 mins) and Ismail Al Kharshi (28.02). In the 10km race for female citizens, Al Mazrouei finished in a time of 38.36 minutes, and was followed by Alia Al Shamsi (40.50 minutes) and Fatima Al Shamsi (42.30 mins). The 10km race for male citizens also witnessed the presence of Africans on the podium with Abdul Karim Tiki Abdul Rahman winning first place with a time of 28.15 minutes, followed by Obaid Al Nuaimi in second place (30.21 mins), and Abdullah Surour Khamis Jumaa came in third place (30.51 mins). Morocco further sealed their superiority on the night in the 10km race for the open women's category with Rokia Al Moqim winning top place with a time of 34.37 minutes, followed by another Moroccan Wafaa Zeroual (35.19 mins), while Belgium's Liesbeth Verheyden came in third with a time of 35.45 minutes. The runners from Morocco further asserted their supremacy in the shorter distance as well with Hamid Al Moalla winning the 5km national men's category in a time of 15.41 minutes, followed by Abdullah Al Hadrami in second place (15.55 mins) and Mahmoud Saleh Al Naqbi in third (16.05). In the 5km race for the open men's category, Moroccan Amin Souida won first place (14.45 mins), followed by Kenyan Victor Kiprono Korir (15.08 mins), and Uganda's Guido Grace Okadabau in third (15.16 mins). Hessa Al Jasmi won first place for national women with a time of 23.48 minutes, followed by Hamda Al Ali (24.08 mins) and Fatima Saeed Juma Saeed in third (25.00 mins). The 5km race for the open women's category was won by Poland's Emilia Mangilinan in a quick time of 22.11 minutes, followed by Morocco's Wiam Al Fathi (22.13 mins) and Russia's Alisa Petrova (22.18 mins). Frenchman Jean-Claude Haramburi claimed the top spot in the 5km senior citizens and residents race in a time of 16.58 minutes, followed by Moroccan Mubarak Rayhan (18.32 mins), and Emirati Salem Atiq Saeed Al Muhairi (19.36 mins).
Gulf Today
08-03-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
UAE beat Netherlands, clinch NAS Sports Padel Teams' title
The UAE dethroned reigning champions the Netherlands to clinch the Padel Teams title at the 12th 'Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament', the largest sporting event of its kind, launched and sponsored by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Held annually during the holy month of Ramadan at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, under the directives of Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the annual event is conducted under the slogan 'Limitless Capabilities'. The winners were awarded their trophy and medals by Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE Padel Association, along with UAE Sports Minister Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Belhoul Al Falasi, and Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. The final was also attended by Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, Ismail Al Hashemi, First Vice President of the Asian Padel Federation, Second Vice President of the UAE Padel Association, Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, Saeed Al Marri, Secretary General of the UAE Padel Tennis Federation and Hassan Al Mazrouei, Director of the Tournament. Considered outsiders, the UAE were dominant on court while winning both their matches on Friday night. Ignacio Villarino and Enric Giunaga had to dig in deep before winning 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 against Mats Groen and Kai Groen. Inigo Joffre and Warnau Eyates then confirmed the title for the hosts with a swift 6-1, 6-3 win against the Dutch duo of Jank Verwater and Nicolas Van Beetto. Among the highlights of the evening was a raffle draw for a free brand-new Ford Territory car, courtesy Al Tayer Motors. Wheelchair Basketball kicks off: A total of four group matches will be held on the opening night of the Wheelchair Basketball Championship from 9.30 pm on Sunday at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, Al Ghusais. Defending champions Dubai Police will commence their title defence with a match against Dubai Courts, followed by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs taking on Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services. Sharjah Police will meet the Department of Finance at 10.50 pm, while Dubai Municipality will be up against Mai Dubai at 11.30 pm. On Monday, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai will meet Mai Dubai, Dubai Police will take on Department of Finance, Community Development Authority will face Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services and the Roads and Transport Authority will line it up against Dubai Courts. The ten participating teams in the tournament have been divided into two groups, with the first group comprising of Dubai Police, Sharjah Police, Department of Finance, Dubai Courts and the Roads and Transport Authority, while the second group includes the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Dubai Municipality, Mai Dubai, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services and the Community Development Authority. Tug-of-War draw: Meanwhile, the organizing committee has conducted the tug-of-war draw. The preliminary rounds fo the competition are scheduled to commence from Tuesday (March 11). There will be three categories for the competition, namely the Junior category, Government Departments and Institutions and the Community category. The eight participating teams in the Junior category have been divided into two groups, with the first group comprising of Sharjah Academy for Police Sciences, A25 Gym Fitness Center, Ahmed Bin Rashid School and B Ninjaz, while the second group includes EFBB Sports Academy, Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, Desert Storm and Sharjah Sports Council.
