The United Arab Emirates Olympic Committee said that it did not have all the reasons for the U-turn but admitted that the Government may have had a part to play in the decision.

"I don't think they are bidding for it this time," a spokesperson said.

"We don't have the reasons yet, we don't know exactly, but probably, maybe, the Government is not ready yet to participate in an Olympic bid."

Similarly, Dubai had previously expressed an interest in bidding for the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics, but ultimately failed to submit a formal bid by the deadlines on both occasions.

The body did say, however, that it remains positive about an Olympic bid in the not too distant future.

"As a country we are ready to go ahead in terms of facilities, in terms of infrastructure," the representative added.

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