Dubai: Dubai Police and the UAE Fencing Federation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster closer collaboration in the field of fencing, with the aim of achieving shared objectives and building a strong sporting partnership.

The signing ceremony took place at Dubai Police Officers Club, where His Highness Engineer Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the UAE Fencing Federation, President of the Asian Fencing Confederation, and Member of the Executive Office of the International Fencing Federation, signed on behalf of the Federation. Representing Dubai Police, Brigadier Badran Al Shamsi, Acting Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Academic and Training Affairs, signed the MoU. 

The ceremony was attended by Brigadier Ahmad Mirdas, Director of the General Department of Training; Colonel Abdul Baset Ali, Director of the Sports Excellence Department; and Mr Rami Ibrahim, Administrative Director of the Federation.

Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi praised the strong relationship with Dubai Police, emphasising that the agreement reflects the Federation’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with government entities, particularly in the development of fencing. Brigadier Badran Al Shamsi expressed his delight at the signing, noting that it will contribute to building a solid foundation for this specialised sport and expand opportunities for cooperation.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation. Dubai Police will nominate students and employees to take part in accredited fencing tournaments, engage its technical staff in training and development programmes, provide administrative and logistical support for participants, and collaborate with the Federation to identify sporting talent through schools and police programmes. The force will also prepare and implement training plans to qualify athletes in fencing.

In return, the UAE Fencing Federation will ensure the participation of players, coaches, referees, and promising talents in official tournaments, organise training and qualification programmes for sports staff, and promote the culture of fencing through awareness campaigns and events. The Federation will also certify Dubai Police coaches according to approved standards, provide training services at Federation centres, and deliver workshops and specialised courses to develop technical and administrative staff.

Both parties also agreed to cooperate in hosting internal training courses and workshops, supply fencing equipment that meets international specifications, equip training halls with electronic systems used in official competitions, support internal championships, and organise tournaments across all Dubai Police units. Furthermore, they will issue jointly recognised certificates and provide qualified coaches to train Dubai Police Academy cadets and students from “Hemaya” schools.