DUBAI – The UAE, under the guidance of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has matured into a strategic and potent center of soft power, said Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC).
Sports play a pivotal role as one of the most significant pillars of this soft power, he added while elaborating on the increasing obligations of everyone involved in the sports delegations participating in future forums.
He emphasized their responsibility to represent their nation with utmost effort to yield the best possible results. Sheikh Ahmed underscored the role of sports championships as a benchmark standard for gauging the progress of athletes’ performance.
Highlighting the importance of supporting UAE athletes, Sheikh Ahmed stressed the need for rallying around them and providing all available resources and tools.
This support, he explained, is crucial to assist them in standing out and achieving advanced positions in all sporting events.
He singled out the forthcoming 15th edition of the Pan Arab Games, scheduled for this July in Algeria, as a significant event. This edition of the games will mark the first time they are held in Algeria.
Earlier, the National Olympic Committee announced that the UAE would participate in the 15th Pan Arab Games.
The UAE delegation will comprise 131 athletes, including 80 men and 51 women.
These athletes will compete in 15 different sports, including volleyball, athletics, boxing, judo, swimming, karate, badminton, cycling, weightlifting, table tennis, fencing, chess, as well as wheelchair basketball and athletics for people of determination.
Sheikh Ahmed’s statements underscore the UAE’s growing stature as a center of soft power, with sports playing an integral role in this process.
By emphasizing the responsibility of sports delegations and the importance of supporting athletes, Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures athletic talent and contributes to the nation’s international standing.