Qatar Olympic Committee Engages in Arab National Olympic Assembly

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) participated in the General Assembly meeting of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees on October 7, 2023. The event took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, coinciding with the ongoing 6th Islamic Solidarity Games. This gathering provided a platform for members to discuss significant matters affecting the Olympic movement in the Arab world.

Key Discussions and Elections

The Qatari delegation included prominent figures such as H E Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the QOC, and Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of the QOC Sports Sector. During the meeting, H E Mohamed bin Yousef Al Mana was elected as Vice President of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees for Asia, an important appointment that reflects Qatar’s growing influence in the region.

In addition to leadership elections, the assembly reviewed the executive summary of the Union’s Strategic Plan for the years 2025 to 2032. This plan is expected to guide the Union’s initiatives and priorities moving forward, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning in the development of sports across the Arab nations.

Future Events and Financial Planning

Important decisions were made regarding future sporting events during the assembly. Bahrain was chosen to host the 2027 Arab Games, while Saudi Arabia will host the 2031 edition. These selections highlight the commitment of the Union to promote sports and foster camaraderie among Arab nations through organized competitions.

Furthermore, members endorsed the Union’s audited financial statements for 2024 and approved a proposed budget for 2025. These financial discussions are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability within the organization, paving the way for future investments in sports development.

This assembly not only underscores the collaborative spirit of Arab nations in advancing sports but also positions the QOC at the forefront of regional Olympic activities. The discussions and decisions made in Riyadh will have lasting implications for the future of athletics in the Arab world.