Dubai, 9th June, 2025 – The ‘National Service Athlete Programme’ was officially launched in Dubai, witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. This major joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Sports aims to provide comprehensive support for elite Emirati athletes enlisted in national service, ensuring their continued training, skill development, and participation in critical international competitions during their service period.
The programme’s launch took place at a special event 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, Sheikh Hamdan met with the first cohort of recruits set to benefit from the initiative.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the significance of supporting elite athletes as a national priority, underscoring its alignment with the UAE leadership’s vision of empowering Emiratis in all sectors. He noted the crucial role of sports in shaping character and enhancing the nation’s global profile by investing in young national talent.
Quote, Sheikh Hamdan:
“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.”
He added:
“The launch of the ‘National Service Athlete Programme’ 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, Minister of Sports, stated:
“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 continued:
“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.”
Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, 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 Programme’ 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 is considered a strategic milestone in mobilising national capabilities for the service of the country, seeking to sustain and enhance the performance of Emirati athletes while ensuring their participation in external competitions. Technical teams will assess and regularly evaluate recruits to identify emerging talent.
With a focus on collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Sports, the programme aims to discover and develop the full athletic potential of national service recruits. The inaugural cohort will include athletes who are set to represent the UAE in major upcoming competitions, including the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, spanning a range of disciplines such as fencing, equestrian, archery, athletics, and combat sports.
The programme is built upon a robust coordination framework that organises joint sports activities, ensures athlete participation in tournaments, and provides workshops to further enhance sports and fitness capabilities. Additionally, it encourages knowledge exchange, logistical support, and development of technical and administrative expertise in sports coaching and related fields.
To guarantee the programme’s successful implementation, a joint committee comprising representatives from both ministries and other stakeholders will oversee progress, ensuring continuous monitoring and alignment with the nation’s strategic goals.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
