Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, has lauded the nation’s young athletes for their record-breaking performance at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Bringing home a total of five medals—two gold, one silver, and two bronze—the team achieved its highest success rate since the UAE’s debut in the competition back in 2010. Sheikh Mansoor expressed his pride, noting that these results highlight the ambition and dedication of Emirati youth, serving as a powerful testament to the country's ongoing support for sports development.

Beyond the podium finishes, Sheikh Mansoor emphasized that the athletes acted as exemplary ambassadors for the UAE, demonstrating a spirit of excellence and patriotism that will inspire future generations. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the UAE leadership, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as the administrative and technical teams whose behind-the-scenes efforts were crucial to this collective success. With 12 athletes participating across nine sports, this historic outing—which included gold medals from Riyan Malhan, Saeed Omar, and Alya Almheiri—solidifies the UAE's rising stature on the global sporting stage.