Sheikh Hamdan Launches National Service Athlete Programme
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, recently witnessed the historic launch of the ‘National Service Athlete Programme.’ This landmark initiative, jointly developed by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Sports, is designed to provide comprehensive support to elite Emirati athletes enlisted in national service. The programme uniquely integrates sports training and development with national service obligations, enabling athletes to maintain their competitive edge and participate in key tournaments that influence their international rankings and qualifications for major global events.
The official launch event, organized by the Ministry of Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, attracted attention from top government officials, including Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, and Mohamed Bin Mubarak Bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs. During this significant occasion, Sheikh Hamdan engaged directly with the recruits forming the programme’s inaugural cohort, underscoring the UAE leadership’s commitment to nurturing talent and empowering the nation’s youth across various sectors, especially sports.
A National Priority: Empowering Elite Emirati Athletes
Sheikh Hamdan stressed that supporting elite athletes represents a crucial national priority, fully aligned with the visionary goals set by the UAE leadership. The role of sports in shaping the character, resilience, and leadership qualities of young Emiratis cannot be overstated. By fostering discipline, dedication, and a competitive spirit, sports play an instrumental role in enhancing the UAE’s global profile through the development of exceptional national talent.
According to Sheikh Hamdan, athletes serve as the nation’s ambassadors on the international stage, showcasing the UAE’s values and excellence to the world. The government is devoted to creating an environment where these athletes can excel physically and mentally, even as they fulfill their national service duties. He emphasized that the programme’s integration of national service with athletic development strengthens not only the physical and mental capacities of the youth but also prepares them to be future leaders and defenders of the country’s achievements.
This initiative embodies a profound spirit of cooperation between government entities to support high-performing athletes, uncover emerging talents, and cultivate champions capable of proudly representing the UAE globally. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that physical readiness and a competitive mindset are fundamental qualities shared between sports and national service, and this programme lays the foundation for a sustainable, strategic pathway toward advancing the UAE’s national vision.
Collaborative Efforts to Boost National Sports Development
Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi highlighted the programme as a major leap forward in the UAE’s national sports development strategy. It is designed not only to maintain but also to elevate the physical preparedness of elite athletes during their national service period. By harnessing the combined expertise and resources of the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Defence, the programme reinforces national identity and contributes significantly to building a healthy, active society.
The programme’s objectives align closely with the ‘National Sports Strategy 2031,’ particularly in promoting widespread physical activity among Emirati youth and enhancing their athletic and professional capabilities. It also dovetails with the broader ambitions of ‘We the UAE 2031,’ a national initiative dedicated to empowering young Emiratis and ensuring their readiness to serve the country with excellence and dedication.
Mohamed Bin Mubarak Bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to channeling the potential of the nation’s youth toward productive and meaningful pathways. The ‘National Service Athlete Programme’ offers an adaptive training environment where elite athletes can continue to advance their sports careers while fulfilling their obligatory national duties.
Fostering a Flexible System Merging Athletic and Military Excellence
A core objective of the initiative is to identify and develop new talent among national service recruits. By providing a flexible system that merges the discipline and rigor of military service with athletic excellence, the programme cultivates well-rounded individuals equipped to excel both in sports and their national responsibilities.
This approach reflects a long-term vision of producing a new generation of athletes who are also prepared to be dedicated defenders of the UAE. By balancing military discipline with sports training, recruits gain invaluable life skills including resilience, teamwork, strategic thinking, and leadership—all essential qualities for both athletes and service members.
The programme marks a strategic milestone in mobilizing the country’s capabilities to serve national interests. It sustains and enhances the athletic performance of Emirati athletes during their service and ensures their continued participation in external competitions that affect their global rankings.
Talent Assessment and Continuous Development
The programme involves ongoing technical assessments and regular evaluations to monitor the performance of selected recruits. These assessments aim to identify emerging talents and ensure that each athlete’s training is tailored to optimize their development.
By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and close cooperation between the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Defence, the programme helps uncover hidden athletic potential among national service recruits. This collaborative approach maximizes the athletes’ chances of success and strengthens the UAE’s overall sporting prowess.
Diverse Disciplines Represented in the First Cohort
The inaugural cohort of the National Service Athlete Programme features athletes set to compete at major international events, including the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. This elite group represents a broad spectrum of sporting disciplines, ranging from fencing and equestrian to archery, athletics, and combat sports.
This diversity underlines the UAE’s commitment to nurturing talent across a wide array of sports, ensuring the country’s representation on multiple international platforms. The programme is designed to support these athletes comprehensively, enabling them to reach their full potential while fulfilling their national service obligations.
Comprehensive Framework and Ongoing Oversight
The programme operates under a solid framework that ensures effective coordination between the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Defence. It organizes joint sporting activities and facilitates athlete participation in regional, national, and international competitions.
Additionally, the programme offers workshops aimed at enhancing sports skills, fitness levels, and mental preparation. It fosters knowledge exchange and provides logistical support for athletes and coaching staff, contributing to the development of technical and administrative expertise in the sports sector.
Oversight is maintained through a joint committee comprising representatives from both ministries and other relevant stakeholders. This committee regularly meets to monitor the progress of the programme, address challenges, and ensure all activities align with the UAE’s strategic sports and national service objectives.
The Broader Impact on UAE’s Youth and National Identity
By linking athletic excellence with national service, the programme reinforces the UAE’s efforts to build a generation of disciplined, physically fit, and internationally competitive youth. It embodies the UAE’s vision of holistic development, where physical fitness, national duty, and professional achievement are intertwined.
This initiative not only uplifts individual athletes but also strengthens the UAE’s national identity and international reputation in the sports arena. It encourages young Emiratis to embrace their roles as both athletes and citizens dedicated to the nation’s progress and security.
Preparing Champions for the Future
The National Service Athlete Programme reflects a forward-thinking and comprehensive approach to youth development in the UAE. By nurturing elite athletes within the framework of national service, it ensures the continuity of sports excellence alongside patriotic commitment.
Through this programme, the UAE sets a pioneering example in harmonizing athletic ambitions with national responsibilities, preparing a cadre of champions who will carry the nation’s flag high at international sporting events and serve as exemplary citizens.
