H.H. Sheikh Khalifa grants more than AED 24 million to athletes

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the disbursement of funds worth AED 24,392,473 to athletes who've accomplished sporting achievements in 2019.

The grant will be distributed to athletes without holding the customary annual ceremony, in line with the precautionary measures adopted by the country to protect people’s health and safety.

It will benefit 680 athletes from 29 federations.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, commended Sheikh Khalifa’s generous gesture to the sporting achievers, underscoring the keenness of the country’s leadership to invest in its citizens and empower them in all areas.

"The sports sector in the UAE has accomplished many recent achievements, and we have advanced to a new stage that requires the cooperation of all sporting cadres, athletes, coaches, referees and administrative staff, to consolidate our achievements and target the first position in all areas of professional sports, making champions and investing in new talents based on internationally approved standards," His Highness added.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs and Chairman of the General Sports Authority, said that the President's gesture highlights the keenness of the country’s leadership to applaud the achievements of athletes and reinforces the country’s position in international sports.

"We thank Sheikh Mansour for monitoring the developments in the sports sector and for his keenness to ensure the annual distribution of this generous grant to athletes who accomplished significant achievements. This is an annual occasion for athletes to reiterate their loyalty and allegiance to the country’s leadership and stress their commitment to reinforcing the country’s position in all competitions," he added.