President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved the Federal National Council’s (FNC) resolution to allow expatriates to join UAE national teams in different sports competitions.
The new law was approved to emphasize the UAE’s cultural diversity and tolerance.
“The law translates the message of tolerance, peaceful co-existence, peace and love the UAE is disseminating among all segments of society,” said Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the General Sports Authority.
The UAE General Sports Authority drafted the regulations and conditions of the new law.
“Their [expats] participation in local sports will create a bigger pool of players for the national federations aside from the competition they will provide for the Emirati players,” Al Rumaithi said.
UAE sports teams including football, basketball, volleyball and rugby will apply the new law starting September this year.
