Mohammed bin Rashid: Maintaining top position is a greater challenge

UAE Vice-President receives Shabab Al Ahli following four-trophy season

Last updated: May 29, 2025 | 18:17

2 MIN READ

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, received Shabab Al Ahli football team at Zabeel Palace in recognition of their outstanding performance during the 2024-2025 sports season, in which they secured four titles.

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Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received Shabab Al Ahli football team at Zabeel Palace in recognition of their outstanding performance during the 2024—2025 sports season, in which they secured four titles.

Sheikh Mohammed congratulated the players, technical and administrative staff, as well as board members on a season crowned with multiple achievements. The reception was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Nurturing role models

Sheikh Mohammed said that the sports sector is essential to the UAE’s development strategy, contributing to human progress and strengthening the country’s position internationally. He emphasised that the leadership’s continued support for the sector reflects a strong belief in sport to nurture role models, instill values, and shape a confident, ambitious generation.

The Dubai-based team clinched four titles with a commanding performance throughout the season, including their ninth UAE Pro League championship, UAE President’s Cup for the 11th time, the UAE Super Cup, and the UAE-Qatar Super Cup.

Sheikh Mohammed also reaffirmed the leadership’s support for athletes and clubs to help them excel on the global stage. He stressed that sports clubs should serve as platforms for developing champions, both in term skill and character.

Encouraging high performance

Addressing the players, Sheikh Mohammed commended their determination and team spirit, noting that while reaching first place is a significant achievement, maintaining that position is the greater challenge.

Sheikh Mohammed joined members of the team for a commemorative photo, encouraging them to sustain their high performance and expressing confidence in their ability to proudly represent the UAE in the upcoming competitions.

The reception was also attended by Khalifa Saeed bin Sulaiman, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club.

A.K.S. SatishSports Editor

From playing on the pitch to analysing it from the press box, Satish has spent over three decades living and breathing sport. A cricketer-turned-journalist, he has covered three Cricket World Cups, the 2025 Champions Trophy, countless IPL seasons, F1 races, horse racing classics, and tennis in Dubai. Cricket is his home ground, but he sees himself as an all-rounder - breaking stories, building pages, going live on podcasts, and interviewing legends across every corner of the sporting world. Satish started on the back pages, and earned his way to the front, now leading the sports team at Gulf News, where he has spent 25 years navigating the fast-evolving game of journalism. Whether it’s a Super-Over thriller or a behind-the-scenes story, he aims to bring insight, energy, and a fan’s heart to every piece. Because like sport, journalism is about showing up, learning every day, and giving it everything.

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