The UAE has adopted a decree according to which expats will be able to represent the Emirates in sports.
According to the decree of President Sheikh Khalifa, expatriates will soon have the opportunity to join local sports clubs and represent the country in all sports. This decree is called the "groundbreaking event in the history of sports in the UAE."
From September 2018, men married to Emirate women, children born in the UAE, as well as expats living in the Emirates, will be able to join sports clubs in the UAE and, in the future, represent the country.
The presidential decree was issued in November; on Monday, the Federal National Council approved the necessary regulations and conditions prepared by the UAE Sports Committee.
"The decree was adopted on Monday, today I would only like to announce it," said the head of the Sports Committee, Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaifi, on Tuesday before the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
“In the history of sports competitions in the UAE, this is an innovative precedent, we are very happy about this step. The expatriates who helped us create the nation are now given the opportunity to play an important role in the country's sports. The expat social group has long been waiting for such a move. Participation of expatriates in local sports competitions will create a larger pool of players for national federations, in addition, they will create a competitive environment for players-emirates. "
All UAE sports federations, including football, basketball, volleyball and rugby clubs, will begin implementing the rules approved by the Cabinet in September, and local clubs will be able to begin the registration process.
"We are pleased and proud to announce this decision to the players, as this decree will motivate a huge number of athletes to participate in various types of sports," added Mr. Al Rumaifi.
“Of course, this is a new path for us, and perhaps some difficulties will arise in the beginning. We will look at the situation at the end of the first season, and if necessary we are ready to make adjustments.”
It is worth noting that in many sports in the UAE, such as rugby and ice hockey, the predominant number of players are foreigners. However, for the UAE Football Association, as well as for the basketball, volleyball and handball federations, the rules introduced are unprecedented.
