Despite the dominance of major sporting powers like the United States and China, the United Arab Emirates made their mark in their own way at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The UAE sent a delegation of 14 athletes to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking their presence in five disciplines: equestrian, judo, cycling, swimming, and athletics. This participation reflects the UAE’s ambition to establish itself as an emerging player on the Olympic stage while consolidating its international influence through the values of sports and diplomacy.
The Competing Athletes
The 14 Emirati athletes proudly represented their nation in various disciplines at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Among them, Omar Al Marzouqi, the UAE’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony, competed in the team show jumping event. Safia Al Sayegh, meanwhile, made history by becoming the first female Emirati cyclist to participate in the Olympic road race.
In judo, Narmand Bayan (-66 kg), Talal Shvili (-81 kg), Aram Gregorian (-90 kg), Dhafer Aram (-100 kg), and Omar Marouf (+100 kg) defended the UAE’s colors in their respective categories. Bashirat Kharoudi was the only woman in the group, competing in the under 52 kg category.
Swimmers Yousef Rashid Al Matroushi and Maha Abdullah Al Shehi participated in the 100m and 200m freestyle events, respectively. Athlete Maryam Mohammed Al Farsi also shone in the 100m race at the Stade de France.
Finally, equestrians Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Abdullah Al Marri, Salem Al Suwaidi, and Ali Al Karbi competed in equestrian events, representing the elite of Emirati show jumping.
Although the UAE did not win any medals in Paris, the event allowed the athletes to face a high level of competition, thus laying the foundations for future international competitions.
The country’s ongoing investment in sports development, supported by modern infrastructure and intensive training programs, highlights the importance the UAE places on nurturing young talent and promoting gender equality in sports.
