14 UAE athletes to compete in Paris 2024 Olympics

Omar Al Marzouqi, who won silver medal in individual showjumping at the Youth Olympics in 2018, will serve as the country’s flag-bearer during the Opening Ceremony

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Published: Sun 7 Jul 2024, 4:02 PM

The UAE National Olympic Committee announced the country’s official delegation to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The UAE will have 14 male and female athletes who will compete in equestrian, judo, swimming, cycling and athletics events at the Summer Games.

Equestrian rider Omar Al Marzouqi, who won silver medal in individual showjumping at the Youth Olympics in 2018 when he was only 15 years old, will serve as the country’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremony.

The UAE athletes are already in Paris preparing for the Games that will run from July 26 to August 11.

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Apart from Al Marzouqi, Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Abdullah Al Marri, Salem Al Suwaidi and Ali Al Karbi are in the UAE equestrian squad. The final line up will be announced by the federation later.

The UAE have a six-member judo team, with Omar Marouf (over 100kg), Dhafer Aram (under 100kg), Aram Gregorian (under 90kg), Talal Shvili (under 81kg) and Narmand Bayan (under 66kg) set to feature in the men's events. Bashirat Kharoudi (under 52 kg) will carry the UAE flag in the women's section.

Meanwhile, Safiya Al Sayegh is all set to make history as the first Emirati female cyclist at Summer Olympics.

In swimming, Yousuf Al-Matrooshi will make his second appearance at the Olympics, having made his debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Maha Al Shehi will compete in the female category in the pool. Runner Maryam Mohammed Al Farsi will take part in the 100m event.

White and red uniform

The UAE National Olympic Committee also unveiled the uniforms to be worn by the Emirati Olympians. Rawdha Al Shaafar, one of the founders of A Friend of Mine by Xpoze who designed the uniforms, said: “The design is modern and simple at the same time. The colour white was chosen for its strength, peace, and purity. This colour reflects a new beginning that the athletes will embark on.

KT Photo: Ruqayya Al Qaydi

“As for the text, we added 'United Arab Emirates' in red (in Arabic) to represent our country, symbolising courage and giving athletes a sense of pride while wearing the attire. The fabric is suitable for varying temperatures was chosen to make the sports attire lightweight in the summer and breathable,” she added.

KT Photo: Ruqayya Al Qaydi

Emirati House

The UAE will also have an ‘Emirati House’ at the Paris Olympics. It will feature the country’s heritage and welcome visitors to experience the hospitality of the UAE. It will open its doors from July 27 to August 10, from 10am to 8pm (Paris time). There will be a wide range of activities and events.

First UAE Olympic medal

The UAE is participating in the Olympics for the eleventh time, having made its debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

The 2004 Athens Olympics is the most significant moment in the history of UAE sports, with Sheikh Ahmed bin Hasher Al Maktoum winning the gold medal in the double trap shooting event, achieving the UAE's first Olympic medal with a score of 189 points.

The UAE flag was again raised on the Olympic podiums during the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics, when judoka Sergio Toma won a bronze medal in the under 81kg event.