H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has praised the generous support of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the development of sports in the country, as well as His Highness’ great role in encouraging athletes to achieve the highest positions in international competitions.

Sheikh Nahyan appreciated the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa to allow the children of Emirati women to take part in official sports competitions held in the UAE, which means that it doesn't require being an Emirati national to participate in these competitions; this also includes those holders of passports which are under process, as well as those born in the UAE.

He stressed that the directives reflect the great efforts being made by the wise leadership, and their leading and supportive role to achieve development in all sectors and fields.

Sheikh Nahyan underlined the importance of the decision and its great effect in charting a new course for the comprehensive development plan on sports in the UAE, in addition to creating a qualitative leap across this important sector.

"The wise directives reflect the real values held by our wise leadership and the good principles of our country, as well as the leadership's great concern to provide equal opportunities and ensure equal rights and duties for all those who reside in the UAE," he noted.

He added that the UAE has become a global destination and a leading centre for sports, which is used to measure the advancement and sophistication levels of the people and communities across the world, thanks to the honest vision of the wise leadership and their support for sports and athletes.

Sheikh Nahyan emphasised that the wise leadership has been constantly supporting the growth of sports and honouring those excelling in it, as well as encouraging everyone to achieve accolades to support the UAE’s stature internationally, in line with the insightful visions of His Highness the President, who has made sincere efforts to secure the participation of all segments of society in sports and create positive impact on its development.

He praised the directives of the Cabinet, which has placed terms and conditions to ensure correct implementation of the decision.