Decree mandates Dubai sports clubs to appoint Emiratis as assistant coaches

Dubai Sports Council's decision directed towards team sports at clubs like Shabab Al Ahli, Al Nasr and Al Wasl

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Sports Council. Courtesy Dubai Sports Council

The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has taken another step in its mission of nurturing local talent with a decree which makes it mandatory for all government clubs of Dubai to appoint an Emirati assistant coach for all first teams.

The decree, announced by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid, chairman of DSC, affects team sports such as football and basketball and and will be implemented for the 2020/21 seasons.

Sheikh Mansoor directed clubs and sports companies in Dubai’s public sports sector to "expedite and start with the recruitment process immediately, selecting Emirati coaches to join their first teams’ technical staff and providing them with all the necessary tools and training to succeed".

DSC said the aim is to enable Emirati coaches to work at different clubs and sports companies and to give them an opportunity to enhance their capabilities and develop their skills.

According to the decree, the trainer must be a citizen of the UAE and should have obtained the minimum training qualification required for the job.

The decision affected Dubai's three major clubs: Shabab Al Ahli, Al Nasr and Al Wasl. All three support team sports, namely football, basketball, volleyball and handball.

The Dubai Club for People of Determination also falls under its purview.

Motorsports, athletics, cycling, equestrian, swimming, marine sports and combat sports will not be affected as they are considered individual sports while rugby and cricket clubs are thought to be exempt.

The decree looks to provide better support for Emiratis as well as empowering and developing national coaches.

In addition, the DSC has been conducting regular workshops for Emirati coaches, inviting experts from around the globe to share their knowledge with local coaches.

Thanks to these initiatives, the number of Emirati coaches at Dubai clubs has seen a steady rise. As of today, 70 of the 130 coaches working at the clubs are Emiratis.

Also, there are more than 10 Emiratis who have received their professional training licence from Dubai Sports Council-conducted programmes, and seven of them are working with clubs outside Dubai and national teams.