His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, witnessed on Monday the launch of the National Service Athlete Program, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Sports.
The program aims to support elite Emirati athletes enlisted in national service by integrating them into tailored sports programs. It also enables them to continue their training and skill development during their service period and to participate in competitions that impact their international rankings or qualifications for major global tournaments.
“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,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
Supporting athlete participation in external competitions
The National Service Athlete Program marks a strategic milestone in mobilizing national capabilities in the service of the country. It aims to sustain and enhance the athletic performance of Emirati athletes during their service, while also enabling their participation in external competitions. Technical teams will conduct assessments and regular evaluations of selected recruits to identify emerging talent.
In addition, the program fosters collaboration to strengthen the performance of national service recruits and help uncover their full athletic potential.
Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed that supporting elite athletes is a national priority aligned with the UAE leadership’s vision of empowering Emiratis across all sectors — including sports, which plays a pivotal role in shaping character and enhancing the nation’s global profile by nurturing young national talent.
“The launch of the National Service Athlete Program 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 program lays the foundation for a long-term strategic pathway that advances our national vision,” he added.
Inaugural cohort to participate in major upcoming events
The National Service Athlete Program’s inaugural cohort includes athletes who will represent the UAE in major upcoming events, most notably the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, as well as a range of regional and international tournaments.
Participants span diverse disciplines including fencing, equestrian, archery, athletics and combat sports, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to cultivating talent across the full spectrum of sports.
“The program 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,” said Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports.
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Ministries to organize joint sports activities
The National Service Athlete Program is built on a robust framework of coordination between both ministries, covering the organization of joint sports activities, athlete participation in tournaments and workshops aimed at enhancing sports and fitness capabilities. It also supports knowledge exchange, logistical assistance and joint efforts in developing technical and administrative expertise in sports coaching and related fields.
“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 program prepares a new generation of well-rounded individuals ready to represent the UAE at the highest levels,” added Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs.
A joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Defence, and other relevant stakeholders will oversee the implementation of the program’s initiatives. The committee will meet regularly to monitor progress and ensure alignment with shared strategic goals.
