UAE Committee for Talent and Sports Support Signs Five Agreements to Develop Next Generation of Modern Sailing Athletes
Under the patronage of the Ministry of Sports, the UAE Committee for Talent and Sports Support (UAETSS) signed five agreements to integrate a new group of young athletes into specialised modern sailing training and development programmes, reinforcing efforts to strengthen the UAE’s competitiveness in marine sports.
Implemented in collaboration with the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, the initiative is designed to identify, nurture, and prepare emerging sporting talent through structured development pathways that support long-term athlete performance and international competitiveness.
The agreements include the enrollment of five promising athletes — Khalifa Ahmed Al Rumaithi, Hamad Fahad Meshal Al Muhairi, Zayed Omar Rajab Al Hosani, Cornelia Bayonk, and Gian Herve — each of whom will receive tailored training and rehabilitation support aimed at progressing toward elite-level competition.
The initiative forms part of the Committee’s ‘Pathway for Sports Champion’ programme, which focuses on expanding the national talent pipeline, diversifying areas of sporting excellence, and creating sustainable frameworks for developing future champions.
The agreements were signed in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, while H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports and Chairman of UAETSS, signed on behalf of the programme alongside the athletes’ parents.
Commenting on the initiative, Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan said the agreements represent an important milestone in identifying and developing national talent and contribute to building a new generation of athletes capable of representing the UAE at regional and international competitions.
He also praised the Ministry of Sports for supporting initiatives that strengthen the national sports ecosystem and highlighted the importance of creating an environment where young athletes can thrive and pursue sporting excellence. He further acknowledged the role of parents as essential partners in the athlete development journey.
For his part, H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum said the agreements reflect the Committee’s continued commitment to discovering and nurturing sporting talent across a wide range of disciplines through collaboration with strategic partners.
He emphasised the importance of developing an integrated and long-term athlete pathway from an early age through comprehensive support programmes that combine training, technical guidance, and administrative assistance.
According to His Excellency, these initiatives aim to help athletes realise their potential, transition toward professional standards, and represent the UAE internationally while supporting the objectives of the National Sports Strategy 2031.
He added that the Committee follows a comprehensive institutional approach under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports and in cooperation with the UAE National Olympic Committee, Elite Sport UAE (ESUAE), and national sports federations to provide athletes with the developmental and operational support required to compete at the highest levels.
Under the agreements, the selected athletes will receive comprehensive support packages, including access to world-class training facilities, customised training plans, participation in local and international training camps, and opportunities to compete in official championships with full administrative support.
The programme also prioritises balancing athletic development with academic performance in line with the UAE’s broader vision of developing well-rounded athletes.
Additionally, athlete progress will be continuously monitored through science-based performance assessments conducted by specialised experts, certified coaches, and supported by national talent development teams using transparent evaluation frameworks aligned with international standards.
Through these agreements, the UAE continues to strengthen its investment in emerging sports talent while building sustainable pathways that support long-term excellence and elevate the country’s standing in specialised marine sports.
