HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy of Dubai and President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, underlined the nation's commitment to advancing the principles and programmes of the Olympic Movement at Dubai's Olympic Day 2024 celebration. His remarks reflect the central role UAE leadership places on sport and international athletic cooperation.
Sheikh Ahmed Stresses Olympic Values at Dubai Celebration
Speaking at the Olympic Day event in Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed stressed that the occasion remains one of the most important platforms for fostering the core values of the Olympic Movement. He noted that principles such as sportsmanship, fair play, and unity give real meaning to competitive sport — improving athletic performance while building a sense of brotherhood among competitors across the globe.
Olympic Day is celebrated annually by National Olympic Committees worldwide and commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee on 23 June 1894. This year's theme, "Let's Move and Celebrate," centred on physical activity and healthy living.
Burj Khalifa Lit for Paris 2024 Olympics
The UAE National Olympic Committee marked its participation in the Olympic Day events in close cooperation with the IOC. For the second consecutive year, the Burj Khalifa — the world's tallest building — displayed the IOC logo, the iconic five-ring emblem, and the Paris 2024 Olympics logo, signalling the UAE's sustained commitment to the Olympic movement on a global stage.
UAE Eyes Strong Showing at Paris Games
Sheikh Ahmed said he was proud to attend the celebration, which took place just three weeks before the opening of the Paris Olympic Games. He expressed confidence in the UAE team's preparation and called on athletes to seize the opportunity to achieve outstanding results, bringing pride to the nation on the international stage.
The UAE sent 14 athletes across five sports to the Paris 2024 Olympics — the country's eleventh consecutive appearance at the Summer Games.
