Executive Council Resolution No. (126) of 2026 Concerning the Assignment of Additional Competencies to the Abu Dhabi Sports Council

Executive Council Resolution No. (126) of 2026 was issued on 5 August 2026, assigning additional regulatory competencies to the Abu Dhabi Sports Council as part of the restructuring of legal oversight of the sports sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Resolution refers to Chairman of the Executive Council Resolution No. (59) of 2018 concerning additional competencies assigned to the Department of Community Development.

 

New Regulatory Competencies of the Council

Clause (1) grants the Abu Dhabi Sports Council two principal competencies. The first concerns the regulation and licensing of sports establishments and entities in the Emirate, in coordination with the relevant authorities. The second concerns granting professional accreditation for sports professions and issuing licenses authorizing their practice within sports establishments and entities.

 

The exercise of these powers is expressly subject to the relevant legislation, meaning that such competencies must be exercised in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and decisions.

 

Regulation and Licensing of Sports Establishments and Entities

The Resolution reflects an expansion of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s role to encompass regulatory and licensing functions, rather than merely supporting and developing the sports sector.

 

Consequently, the Council becomes the competent authority directly responsible for regulating and licensing sports establishments and entities within the Emirate, while respecting the competencies of other authorities whose regulatory responsibilities may overlap with sporting activities.

 

Furthermore, the requirement to coordinate with relevant authorities indicates that sports licensing operates within an integrated regulatory framework involving other applicable licenses and approvals, depending on the nature of the activity and establishment.

 

Professional Accreditation and Licensing of Sports Professions

The Resolution distinguishes between professional accreditation and licensing to practice a sports profession. Professional accreditation concerns verification of an individual’s eligibility, qualifications, and professional competence, whereas a professional license constitutes the legal authorization permitting that individual to practice within sports establishments and entities.

 

This distinction establishes a regulatory oversight framework extending beyond sports establishments themselves to include the professionals working within them, thereby strengthening compliance with professional standards governing sports services.

 

Authority to Issue Regulatory Regulations

Clause (2) provides that the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council shall issue regulations governing the regulation and licensing of sports establishments and entities, professional accreditation, and licensing to practice sports professions, following their approval by the Executive Council.

 

Accordingly, the regulatory authority granted under the Resolution is not absolute but remains subject to Executive Council approval.

These regulations are expected to establish licensing and renewal requirements, classifications of sports establishments, professional accreditation criteria, procedures for suspending or revoking licenses, and transitional provisions concerning existing licenses and accreditations.

 

Conflicts with Previous Legislation

Clause (3) addresses potential conflicts with the previous regulatory framework by repealing any provision of Chairman of the Executive Council Resolution No. (59) of 2018 that conflicts with the new Resolution, together with any other conflicting provision or rule.

 

This does not constitute a complete repeal of the earlier Resolution but rather a repeal limited to the extent of inconsistency. Accordingly, previous provisions remain applicable insofar as they can operate without conflicting with the newly assigned competencies of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

 

Monitoring the Implementation of the Resolution

Clause (4) requires the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to submit updates on the implementation of the Resolution within one month from its issuance.

 

This requirement reflects direct oversight by the Executive Council of the implementation of the newly assigned competencies. However, it does not necessarily imply that all implementing regulations and administrative procedures must be completed within that period.

 

Legal and Regulatory Implications of the Resolution

Overall, the Resolution establishes a more integrated regulatory framework for the sports sector in Abu Dhabi by combining the licensing of sports establishments, regulation of sports professions, and professional accreditation.

 

It also places the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in a more clearly defined regulatory position within the sector, while leaving the principal operational and procedural requirements to be determined through the implementing regulations issued pursuant to the Resolution.