DUBAI, 24th May, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC), today presided over the Extraordinary General Assembly meeting of the Committee.
During the meeting, His Highness expressed his appreciation for the General Assembly of the NOC, acknowledging its role as the legislative authority responsible for establishing frameworks, adopting policies and developing strategies that enhance the functioning of the Olympic movement, including its federations and athletes.
Sheikh Ahmed also expressed gratitude for the continuous support provided by the General Assembly and its esteemed members throughout the decades since the establishment of the National Olympic Committee in 1979. He acknowledged their vital role in implementing various programmes and initiatives, underscoring the leadership’s unwavering support and belief in the significance of sports and its contribution to the progress and prosperity of nations.
Moreover, His Highness highlighted the General Assembly’s commitment to ensuring the success of these endeavours, along with the significant achievements attained by representing the UAE in major sporting tournaments and events.
Sheikh Ahmed also emphasised the significance of adhering to the highest standards in line with international regulations and systems. This commitment strengthens the NOC’s position as a dynamic entity, aligned with the latest practices in the Olympic movement on both continental and international scales.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the NOC; Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of the Committee and Head of the Executive Office; and Azza bint Suleiman, Assistant Secretary-General of the Olympic Committee for Administrative and Financial Affairs, in addition to members of the Committee’s General Assembly.
Sheikh Ahmed congratulated Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi on his appointment as Vice President of the NOC, and extended his best wishes for Sheikh Rashid’s continuous success in serving the UAE’s sports sector and representing the nation at various sporting tournaments and events.
During the meeting, the members approved the latest version of the Committee’s Articles of Association, which aligns with international standards and the provisions of the International Olympic Charter. Additionally, an electoral committee was established to oversee the upcoming committee elections, scheduled to take place within 90 days from the date of the Extraordinary General Assembly meeting. The approved electoral committee consists of Chairman Omar Mohammad Miran, a judicial inspector, as well as Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Abdulaziz Al Maamari from Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters and Consultant Hassan Al Marzouqi as members.
As per the new Articles of Association, the Board of Directors of the Olympic Committee comprises 17 members. This includes nine members from the Olympic federations, one member from the non-Olympic federations, one representative from the Olympic Athletes Committee, and another representative from the Women’s Committee. Additionally, four members are nominated by His Highness, the President of the NOC.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed proposed the addition of two vice-presidents to the National Olympic Committee in order to accommodate the Committee’s diverse practices, technical and operational requirements, and its participation in upcoming events such as the Asian Games, the Arab Games in Algeria, the Gulf Sports Games hosted by the UAE, and the Olympic Games. The proposal, which was approved by the members, will be submitted to the International Olympic Committee for final approval.
Additionally, the electoral committee was tasked with developing the procedural bylaws for the elections of the NOC’s Board of Directors for the Olympic period 2021-2024. This task will be carried out in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Articles of Association of the NOC. The electoral committee will work in coordination with the General Secretariat of the NOC, and the preparation and approval of the electoral bylaws are expected to be completed within a maximum period of 30 days from the current date.