News DeskDuring a star-studded ceremony, His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, has unveiled the new corporate identity and logo of the UAE Athletics Federation (UAEAF).
The event, which was organised by the UAE Athletics Federation (UAEAF), in collaboration with the Dubai Police at the Dubai Police Officers’ Club in Al Jaddaf, also recognised standout performers in athletics.
The event was also attended by Major General Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Marr, President of the UAE Athletics Federation; Mr Mohammed Bin Darwish Al Na’imi, Executive Director of the National Olympic Committee; representatives from various clubs, coaches, and players.
Lieutenant General Al Marri unveiled the new corporate identity and logo of the UAE Athletics Federation (UAEAF), inspired by the colours of the UAE flag and the four different sports that make up athletics: running, walking, jumping, and throwing. These elements are joined by lines representing the dynamic progress and aspiration towards the highest goals, aligning with the Federation’s strategy.
His Excellency Lieutenant General Al Marri received a shield from Major General Mohammed Abdullah Al Marr, featuring the Athletics Federation’s new identity and logo.
In his opening remarks, Major General Mohammed Abdullah Al Marr said, “Today, we celebrate the conclusion of the previous sports season, honouring our champions, outstanding athletes, administrators, coaches, and those who contributed towards achieving the Federation’s goals.”
He continued: “Since its election by members of the General Assembly about a year and a half ago, UAEAF has been working towards a clear strategy and a new roadmap, aiming to create champions who proudly represent the UAE at international events, qualify sports figures in the field of athletics regionally and internationally, train international referees among citizens, develop technical staff in the field of training, and popularise this sport among all segments of society, making it a part of their daily lifestyle.”
Successful Season
The UAEAF held 12 local championships last season with participation from over 25 clubs and sports academies and more than 600 male and female players. Additionally, it participated in four international championships where our national team achieved notable successes, earning eight medals at the Gulf Championship and seven medals at the West Asian Athletics Championship.
Al Marr highlighted the future of UAEFA: “We have successfully trained a new batch of budding athletes who will form the core of the Federations. We have also held several specialised training courses.”
He emphasised the Federation’s desire for ongoing and consistent cooperation from all stakeholders, including sports councils, clubs, institutions, sports academies, and organisers of athletic events, to achieve its goals and elevate athletics to compete at international levels.
Appreciation & Gratitude
As his address drew to a close, Al Marr expressed heartfelt thanks to His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri for his constant guidance and insights that have contributed significantly to improving the UAEFA. He also acknowledged Dubai Police’s Commander-in-Chief’s unyielding support in all areas of the Federation, facilitating venues for team training, hosting local championships, and coordinating international tournaments in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council, which provides the necessary support and resources to ensure the success of these events.
Al Marr also expressed his gratitude to all the victorious sports teams, the honourees for their performance and excellence, and all the clubs represented by their presidents, administrators, coaches, players, and the sports councils in the country. He also extended his thanks to various media outlets and journalists who covered the activities and programs of the Federation over the past period.
2030 Vision
After his speech, the participants at the ceremony watched a film showcasing the 2030 vision of the UAE Athletics Federation with the formation of the new council, which is based on four main pillars within several objectives that the Federation will work on achieving locally and internationally.
Sponsors & Achievers
Post the film, His Excellency Lieutenant General Al Marri honoured the sponsors of the UAE Athletics Federation, represented by the Dubai Police Officers Club, Al Fardan Exchange, Al Hawai for office equipment, and Ever Broadcast LLC.
He also honoured players with international achievements: Fatima Yusuf Al Hosani, who won a gold medal in discus throw and a silver medal in shot put at the Gulf Games in Kuwait, and a silver medal in shot put and a bronze medal in discus throw at the West Asia Championship held in Qatar.
Al Marri also recognised Latifa Issa Al Kaabi, who won a gold medal in the long jump and a silver medal in the triple jump at the Gulf Games in Kuwait.
He presented the honourary shield to the players Mira Ghuloom Al Mazmi and Abeer Al Balushi, who won the bronze medal in the 4×100 relay race at the Gulf Games, and to Wadad Ibrahim Mohammed, who won the bronze medal in the hammer throw at the same championship.
Al Marri also honoured Ruqaya Al Marzouqi, who won the bronze medal in the 800-meter race at the Gulf Games; Shuaali Hassan Jasim, who won the gold medal in the 10,000 km walk at the West Asia Championship in Qatar, and Salem Hassan Al Balushi who won the silver medal in the long jump and the bronze medal in the triple jump at the West Asia Championship.
Overall Sports Excellence Shield
The Commander-in-Chief presented the overall shield of sporting excellence for the female category for the sports season 2012-2022 to the Sharjah Women’s Sports Club. Meanwhile, Al Nasr Sports Company received the overall excellence shield for males after Al Nasr Club had won 122 medals in various sports.
Remarkable Figures
Following this, Major General Mohammed Abdullah Al Marr continued the honours on behalf of His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief. He honoured the legal committee for preparing and developing athletic regulations, the specialised media covering athletics, and the “Ultimate Athletics” academy for being the most active participant in the Federation’s activities.
Al Marr also honoured the Hatta Club for having the highest number of registered players for the Cubs stage from the male category born between 2006 and 2010 in the Federation records. Dibba Al Hisn Sports and Cultural Club was recognised as the club with the highest number of registered female players born between 2006 and 2010.
Al Marr also honoured Mr. Mohammed Saeed Al Khalfawi, the most senior coach and technical director of athletics, the referees, and administrators in the UAEFA, along with 32 players who achieved the best performance level for athletics competitions and races for the sports season 2021-2022. Their coaches were also recognised for their efforts in preparation and supervision.
