Riyadh, November 22, 2024 – Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, presided over the 22nd Ordinary General Assembly of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees (UANOC) and the 40th meeting of the union's Executive Bureau in Amman, Jordan, on Thursday. The event gathered a distinguished group of leaders, including Eng. Yazan Shdeifat, Minister of Youth and Vice President of the Jordanian Olympic Committee (JOC), along with the presidents of Arab national Olympic committees, to discuss the development of sports in the Arab world and further the union's goals.
In his opening speech at the assembly, Prince Abdulaziz extended heartfelt gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He acknowledged their unparalleled support for the sports sector across Arab countries, which has been instrumental in driving positive change and elevating the role of youth in the region. He further commended the leadership's dedication to the advancement of Arab sports, specifically noting the revival of the Arab Sports Games after a lengthy hiatus of nearly 12 years, a milestone that has had a profound impact on the region's sports culture.
Prince Abdulaziz also took a moment to recognize the contributions of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. He expressed deep appreciation for King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, President of the Jordanian Olympic Committee Prince Faisal Al Hussein, and the Jordanian people for their warm hospitality in hosting the UANOC meetings. This gesture of cooperation between Arab nations reflects the spirit of unity and mutual support that the union champions.
The Saudi official emphasized the ongoing transformation of Arab sports, highlighting the region's achievements on the international stage. One of the union’s recent triumphs was the success of Arab athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Arab countries collectively earned 17 medals across various disciplines. This accomplishment demonstrates the growing strength of Arab athletes and their ability to compete at the highest levels of global sport.
Prince Abdulaziz also extended special admiration to Palestinian athletes, who have continued to demonstrate resilience and excellence in their performances despite the challenges posed by ongoing conflict. He praised their determination and courage, particularly in light of the destruction inflicted upon Palestinian sports facilities by Israeli aggression. Their perseverance in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the power of sport as a unifying force and a beacon of hope for the Palestinian people.
This assembly marks an important step forward for the UANOC as it works towards a brighter and more unified future for Arab sports, fostering collaboration among nations and inspiring the next generation of athletes across the Arab world.