UAE Committee for Talent and Sports Support (UAETSS) announces inclusion of group of promising athletes to develop their abilities and prepare them for top competitive levels
The UAE Committee for Talent and Sports Support announced the inclusion of a new group of promising athletes into its development programmes, as part of the as part of the UAE Sports Talent Program.
The announcement took place during an event held at Dubai Autodrome, attended by H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports and Chairman of the Committee, and H.E. Eng. Mansoor Buosaiba, President of the UAE Cycling Federation, alongside representatives from sports federations, Ministry teams, and media.
New athletes added across disciplines
The selected group includes motorsport athlete Khalifa Al Falasi, as well as three cyclists from the UAE Cycling Federation: Afraa Khalid, Falah Al Nuaimi and Sultan Saud.
This step reflects continued efforts to expand the UAE’s talent base across multiple sports while supporting athletes at different stages of their development.
Structured pathway from talent to elite level
The programme, launched in November 2025 in partnership with Elite Sport UAE, is designed to create a structured pathway from talent identification to elite performance.
It offers specialised training programs, local and international camps, as well as technical and administrative support. As a result, athletes are better prepared to compete at regional and international levels.
Leadership highlights importance of long-term investment
During the event, H.E. Sheikh Suhail reiterated the importance of sustained institutional efforts to nurture sports talent in the UAE, under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports and in collaboration with key national sports entities.
He said: “Through UAETSS’ talent development programs, we aim to offer an integrated professional environment that identifies the aspirations of our athletes and supports them to attain the best results at regional and international levels. We strongly believe that investing in young talents is the cornerstone of our efforts for creating the future champions of UAE sports and strengthening the country’s position on the global sports map. The decision to include specialised sports such as drifting and cycling underscores our vision to support diverse talents and open new horizons for their excellence and achievements.”
Cycling development gains further momentum
For his part, H.E. Eng. Mansoor Buosaiba highlighted that the inclusion of cycling athletes represents a significant step forward in the development of the sport.
He said: “At the UAE Cycling Federation, we seek to work closely with all relevant entities to support the young talent and offer them the ideal environment to hone their skills, aligning with global best practices. This also contributes to building a generation capable of achieving remarkable results and representing the UAE in both regional and international competitions.”
Continued focus on growth and performance
Looking ahead, the UAE sports talent program will continue to expand its reach, with greater focus on participation and development across all age groups.
By combining structured training, institutional support, and international exposure, the initiative aims to build a strong pipeline of athletes capable of competing at the highest level.
Ultimately, the ‘Pathway for Sports Champion’ programme reflects a long-term vision to develop future champions and strengthen the UAE’s presence on the global sports stage.
Subscribe to The Mettle Mail, our weekly sports industry newsletter: HERE
