UAE flag bearers lead team at Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh

UAE flag bearers

Omar Al Hammadi, a swimmer on the UAE national team, and Mai Al Madani, a weightlifter, represented the UAE at the ceremony. The Games, held from November 7 to 21, are hosted by Saudi Arabia for the second time since the inaugural edition in 2005. Over 3,000 athletes from 57 countries are competing in 25 sports across five venues.

Opening ceremony attendees

The ceremony at Janadriyah Arena in Riyadh was attended by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Executive Office; His Excellency Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports; His Excellency Nasser Al Tamimi, Member of the Board of Directors of the National Olympic Committee; and His Excellency Mohammed bin Darwish, Executive Director of the National Olympic Committee.

UAE participation in the games

The UAE is competing in 14 sports, including judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, muay Thai, taekwondo, athletics, swimming, equestrian, duathlon, fencing, weightlifting, esports, camel racing, and para-powerlifting, with a delegation of 71 athletes. The UAE has participated in every edition of the Games, consistently winning medals. The country has accumulated 23 medals in total, including its first-ever gold medal won by cyclist Ahmed Al Mansouri in the scratch event during the last edition in Konya, Turkey.

UAE at the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation Assembly

The UAE National Olympic Committee also attended the 14th General Assembly of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation in Riyadh. The UAE delegation included Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi and Mohammed bin Darwish. During the meeting, Malaysia was selected to host the seventh edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2029, competing against bids from Iran and Uzbekistan.