UAE Sports Legislation and Regulations

In recent years, the sports sector within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has experienced significant growth. This trend, initiated by the popularity of the Saudi Pro League and the Qatar World Cup 2022, has led to a regional focus on regulating the sporting world.

New Federal Law on Sports

In May 2023, the UAE Government introduced Federal Law No. (4) of 2023, Concerning Sports. This comprehensive legislation aims to provide guidelines for various institutions and individuals involved in sports across the UAE, including all seven emirates and free zones.

Key Provisions of Federal Law No. (4) of 2023

• Promotion of Physical Activity: The law emphasizes the importance of encouraging young citizens and residents to engage in physical and sports activities. It mandates educational institutions to provide the necessary facilities for students to develop their sporting capabilities.

• Equality in Sports: The legislation requires all sports institutions to ensure equal access and opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender.

• Inclusion of People of Determination: The law mandates that sporting facilities and opportunities for individuals with disabilities be on par with those offered to other athletes.

• Anti-Doping Measures: The legislation addresses the offence of doping, delegating the responsibility for penalties to the National Anti-Doping Agency. It also assigns sports clubs and federations the duty to protect athletes from doping and outlines various other responsibilities, including:

  • Preparing athletes for competition

  • Implementing talent discovery and development programs

  • Sponsoring promising athletes

  • Promoting women's sports

‍Executive Regulations

‍Following the enactment of the Federal Law, the Cabinet issued Cabinet Resolution No. (46) of 2024, Concerning the Executive Regulation of Federal Law No. (4) of 2023, Concerning Sports. These regulations reinforce and expand upon the provisions of the Federal Law.

‍Key Provisions of the Executive Regulations

• ‍Support for Athletes: The regulations reiterate the need for sports federations to provide support to athletes and emphasize the importance of sports facilities in educational institutions and equal sporting opportunities.

• Tournament Participation: The regulations set guidelines for the maximum number of participants in tournaments, as determined by the organizers. Sports clubs and federations must adhere to these limits.

• Definition of Sports Professions: The regulations specify what constitutes a sports profession.

For further information and updates on sports legislation and regulations in the UAE, please contact minal.sapra@karawanico.com.

*Youseef Mohammad Atfah, who was interning at Karawani & Co LLC contributed to this article.