In a significant development for the UAE’s sporting landscape, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been elected as the new President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) for the 2024 to 2028 Olympic term. The announcement came during the NOC General Assembly meeting in Dubai, marking a pivotal moment in the UAE’s Olympic journey.
The appointment marks a new chapter for Emirati sports as the nation prepares to build on its growing Olympic achievements. The nation had won its first Olympic gold in Athens 2004 and won a silver in 2018 during the Youth Olympic Games. His Highness Sheikh Mansoor assumes leadership following 16 impactful years of NOC's presidency under His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
In his inaugural address, the new president emphasised that this role carries both honour and responsibility to advance the UAE's sporting ambitions.
The assembly ratified several key decisions including strategic plans for 2025, budget approvals for Olympic preparations and participation and a new agreement to house 21 national sports federations at the NOC's Dubai headquarters.
Notably, the meeting also reviewed recent amendments to the Olympic Charter that expand National Olympic Committees' roles in host city selection processes, a change that could influence future UAE bids for major sporting events.