Frenchman Jean-Christophe Rolland, the President of the World Rowing Federation, and a member of the International Olympic Committee, has nominated the United Arab Emirates to play a crucial role in developing future programs of the International Rowing Federation. He envisions the UAE as a key player in spreading the concept of this sport widely across different segments of society, thanks to the wonderful coastlines of the country boasts, featuring charming beaches and various bodies of water suitable for all kinds of modern rowing.
The President of the International Rowing Federation expressed great admiration for what he witnessed during his recent visit to Dubai. Specifically, he visited the headquarters of the Dubai International Marine Club located in Dubai Harbour (the tourist port), where he personally attended and participated in the rowing boat parade aimed at raising awareness of environmental and wildlife preservation under the slogan: 'Zero Carbon, Clean Water.
Jean-Christophe Ronald personally experienced the organizational efforts and professional work within the organization by participating in the Rowing Boat Parade on the Olympic boat (quadruple) on the waters of the Dubai Marina Canal. Approximately 50 athletes, including our national team players in modern rowing, accompanied him on various modern and Olympic rowing boats. Notable among them was our champion Ohood Musabah Al Dhaheri.
During the event, the President of the International Rowing Federation met with Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation. This meeting took place in the presence of UAESARF board members Mohammed Harib, the Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai International Marine Club, and Khalid Al Owais. The President praised the Federation’s efforts and expressed anticipation for more collaborative work to advance the sport.
Jean-Christophe revealed that future development plans aim to expand the Federation’s activities by focusing on sea and beach rowing categories. These sports have gained popularity with close attention from the International Federation, its various committees, and the International Olympic Committee. The inclusion of sea rowing in the Summer Olympics officially merges rowing with the Olympic Classic, heightening competition among fans for Olympic glory.
He added, "We can collaborate with the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation and national clubs to take positive steps in organizing numerous future events that will promote our sport. We applaud the distinguished position of the United Arab Emirates in the Gulf region and the Middle East. The state possesses all the necessary structures and factors to ensure success."
