Following his election by the General Assembly, Sheikh Ahmed invited the sports councils to join the NOC in recognition of the role they have played in supporting the National Olympic Movement and helping advance UAE sport to higher levels.

He cited the NOC’s key highlights, programmes and initiatives over the past four years, along with the objectives realised and the challenges faced.

"The NOC has made a quantum leap over the past four years highlighted by a series of distinguished initiatives," said Sheikh Ahmed, whose new term takes him through to Tokyo 2020.

"This is due to the unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"It is also attributed to the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council, Rulers of the Emirates, and Their Highnesses Crown Princes."

Sheikh Ahmed also spoke about UAE’s participation at Rio 2016, where Sergiu Toma claimed the country’s only medal - a bronze in the men’s 81 kilograms judo competition.

Toma beat Italy’s Matteo Marconcini to secure just the second Olympic medal in UAE’s history following shooter Ahmed Al Maktoum’s gold in the men’s doubles trap at Athens 2004.

"The lapsed Olympic term was eventful, highlighted by the Rio Olympic Games, where 10,500 athletes had participated, and saw the UAE reaching the podium thanks to the Emirati winning the bronze medal in judo," said Sheikh Ahmed.

"Our ambitions allow us to celebrate our successes but never stop at such accomplishments, and by the time we reach our goal, we have already set our sights on something bigger."

The General Assembly also saw Abdul Rahman Al Owais retain his position as the chairman of the Executive Office and Mohammed Al Kamali remain the secretary general of the NOC, pending the Board’s first meeting where administrative positions will distributed.

The Electoral General Meeting followed the General Assembly, chaired by Sheikh Ahmed in the presence of NOC members and national governing bodies representatives.

Amendments to the Olympic Charter were sanctioned at the first meeting, a statement submitted by Federations was reviewed and the minutes of the 38th Annual General Meeting held last March were approved.

General Assembly attendees also reviewed an NOC report detailing the Olympic term, including local and international participation.

Under the Presidency of Sheikh Ahmed, the High Committee for UAE NOC National Sports Day was formed.

The 2017 National Sports Day is due to be held on February 16 as part of the Gulf Cooperation Council Unified Sports Week.