The Underwater Federation plans to develop national teams and expand the role of the private sector.

DUBAI, March 10, 2026 (WAM) -- The newly elected Board of Directors of the UAE Water Sports Federation has confirmed that the next phase will focus on strengthening the participation of the private sector, particularly in the field of swimming, and implementing plans to develop the sport, improve national teams, and increase participation. Abdullah Al Wuhaibi, President of the UAE Water Sports Federation, stated that the previous interim committee ensured continuity by closely monitoring competition plans and national team preparation programs. Al Wuhaibi expressed that the new board will develop broader plans aimed at enhancing the status of water sports and raising technical standards, based on the work carried out during the interim committee's term. Emphasizing that the interim committee's role was inherently limited in authority, Al Wuhaibi noted that they still managed to achieve positive results. He highlighted that supporting the private sector, especially in swimming, will be a primary priority, noting that private clubs and academies contribute to raising the technical level of the sport. Strengthening collaboration with these organizations and increasing their participation in competitions will help expand the number of participants and develop younger age groups. Al Wuhaibi indicated that national teams are planned to participate in several competitions in the upcoming period, including the Gulf Championship, the Arab Championship in Bahrain, and the Asian and World Championships. He stated that the federation has begun coordinating with technical and national teams committees to select the most suitable events that enhance technical performance and help achieve results; emphasizing that participation should not merely be for presence but to achieve results. In the upcoming period, further developments are expected to enhance competitiveness by strengthening the technical and administrative aspects of national teams, empowering coaches and administrative staff, and implementing broader plans in collaboration with technical committees and sports councils.