Sharjah Ruler Issues Decree to Establish and Organize the Sharjah Cycling Club

Sharjah's ruler has established a dedicated cycling club through an official decree, marking the emirate's push to become a regional hub for the sport. The new Sharjah Cycling Club will operate under the emirate's Sports Council and aims to boost competitive cycling while promoting it as a healthy lifestyle choice for residents.

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi issued the decree creating the club as an independent legal entity. The organization will be headquartered in Sharjah city, with plans to open branches across other areas of the emirate pending approval from the Sports Council.

The club's mission spans several key areas. It will work to enhance Sharjah's competitive position in cycling both locally and internationally. The organization plans to develop comprehensive legal and administrative frameworks for the sport, ensuring top safety standards for tracks and cycling routes. Beyond competition, the club aims to encourage cycling as a community sport that supports healthier living.

Here's what the club will actually do: It will create strategic plans for cycling development across the emirate and train the next generation of cycling leaders and athletes. The organization will oversee cycling tracks and routes while organizing events in coordination with relevant authorities. It will also represent Sharjah in domestic and international cycling matters, working closely with the Sports Council.

The club gets broad powers to fulfill its goals. It can run awareness campaigns to spread cycling culture, host festivals and competitions, and participate in cycling-related conferences. The organization will support different community groups in cycling activities and discover talented athletes through technical and physical training programs. It can even establish sports teams capable of competing in local, regional, and international championships.

But there's more to this than just sports. The club can form commercial companies for sports purposes or investments after getting Sports Council approval. It will cooperate with various federations, clubs, and institutions both inside and outside the UAE. The organization can also prepare recommendations and draft legislation related to cycling in the emirate.

A board of directors will manage the club, consisting of a chairman, deputy chairman, and several members appointed by the ruler or his representative. Board members serve four-year terms, which can be extended. Members must be UAE citizens, at least 21 years old, with a high school diploma or equivalent. They cannot serve on other club boards simultaneously.

The decree sets clear rules for board membership and operations. Members lose their positions if they die, lose eligibility requirements, submit written resignations, or miss too many meetings without valid excuses. The board acts as the club's highest authority, approving policies, strategies, and budgets while overseeing daily operations.

The club will have a full-time executive director with sports and cultural expertise, appointed by the board after Sports Council approval. This person will handle day-to-day management and report directly to the board.

This move fits into the UAE's broader strategy of diversifying its sports offerings and promoting healthy lifestyles. As cycling gains popularity in the region, Sharjah is positioning itself to capture both the recreational and competitive sides of the sport. The emirate already hosts various international sporting events, and a dedicated cycling infrastructure could attract more regional competitions and tourism.