UAE Ice Hockey Association makes history

STOCKHOLM — The UAE Ice Hockey Association (UAE IHA) has been granted full membership of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), thus becoming the first Arab country to have the privilege of joining high ranked members and decision-makers in the international ice hockey community.

By (Wam)

Published: Wed 22 May 2013, 12:47 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 6:59 PM

This membership represents a great administrative achievement for the rising UAE Hockey Association. The UAE IHA succeeded in obtaining the membership after its application was submitted by the participating Emirati delegation at the IIHF General Assembly in Stockholm, Sweden. The document was internationally praised for its precision in applying international standards and adhering to regulations. An IIHF delegation also visited The UAE IHA headquarters in Zayed Sport City, Abu Dhabi, where the delegation reviewed the available facilities and was introduced to the mechanisms of supporting local championships.

Dr Ahmad Mubarak Al Mazrouei, president of UAE IHA, dedicated this achievement to the leadership of UAE that supports excellence in the sports sector and provides all necessities that help the UAE to shine in the world of sports. He also expressed his pride in this success as a first for any Arab country to be granted full membership of the body.

Mazrouei praised the welcome the UAE received internationally, noting that these positive reactions are a reflection of the UAE’s positive reputation.

Mazrouei expressed his gratitude to Shaikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, for his direct attention given to the development of the sports sector.

He also congratulated the UAE sporting fraternity on the UAE IHA achievement, hoping that it will reflect in the IHA’s interest and aspirations, and serve its objectives.