New Honor, New Era: Al-Nasr’s Elite Council Aims to Redefine UAE Football

Strategic formation of the Board of Honor

Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president of Al-Nasr UAE Club, approved the formation of the club's Board of Honor, chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the club's vice president, as part of a strategic move aimed at strengthening the club's standing and developing its administrative and sporting system, and supporting its pursuit of excellence and leadership on the UAE sports stage.

The creation of the Board of Honor comes within a comprehensive strategy designed to boost the involvement of national leaders and experienced allies in the club's journey, reinforcing its role as an institution with a long history of more than eight decades, while management looks toward a new phase of competitiveness and innovation in both sport and governance.

The board will take on core duties, including backing the club's future vision, supervising development and investment initiatives, and deepening cooperation with strategic partners across the public and private sectors, ensuring sustainability and broadening support at all levels.

The Board will also oversee talent development and youth programs within the club, creating an integrated sporting environment that helps players grow, win championships, and raise the club’s and the nation’s name on local and international stages.

It will contribute to modernizing the sports management framework in line with the latest professional practices, with emphasis on sustainable performance and raising the efficiency of technical and administrative staff.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum stated that forming the Board of Honor marks an important step toward a new phase of growth and development for the club, noting that the board will work in full harmony with club management to achieve ambitious goals befitting the history of the Colonel and its standing among the UAE’s oldest clubs.

The coming period will see greater focus on innovation in sports administration and the development of organizational performance to raise all activities under the club's umbrella, with Al-Nasr marching toward a brighter future powered by leadership support and fan trust.

A constant theme is strengthening institutional work and leveraging national talents to back the club’s mission and make it a model of excellence in both sport and governance.

The new board brings together a roster of prominent national figures who are club supporters with broad experience in administration, sport, and economics, making it a cornerstone of the ongoing development.

Among the notable names announced were prominent members from the club’s ecosystem and national circles, reflecting a blend of leadership, economic insight, and sporting knowledge designed to guide the club toward a modern era. The committee’s broader membership includes other respected figures such as senior officials, business leaders, and longtime supporters who share a commitment to Al-Nasr's heritage and future.

The leadership also announced the appointment of Mansour Rahma Al-Falasi as Secretary General of the Board of Honor, with responsibilities spanning coordination of board activities, execution of decisions, and leadership of the club’s investment arm to ensure synergies between governance and commercial initiatives.

“The Colonel” – A History of Glory and Leadership

Al-Nasr is recognized as the UAE’s oldest football club, founded in 1945 in Dubai’s Ghubaiba district, earning the nickname “The Colonel.” Its early days featured informal matches and meetings in rented spaces before moving to larger premises in Shindagha and receiving iconic support from generations of leaders, including regional figures who believed in building a lasting sporting institution.

In the 1960s, after a memorable challenge against regional rivals, the club solidified its identity, later shifting to a larger home in Shindagha in the 1970s with significant patronage from visionary leaders who funded development projects. These moments helped establish a foundation for sustained growth and community pride.

Milestones include the UAE League’s creation in 1973, the construction of the Al Maktoum Stadium, and the club’s formal entry into top-level competition in 1974, followed by domestic successes and international exhibitions with clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Santos. The club’s history is a tapestry of triumphs, challenges, and a relentless push for excellence.

Despite a lull in league titles since the late 1980s, Al-Nasr has remained a competitive force, securing cups and regional honors, and hosting esteemed matches, including a 2019 friendly with Arsenal that highlighted its enduring legacy and global reach.

Golden Milestones and a Road Ahead

The narrative of Al-Nasr is one of golden milestones and renewed ambition. The Board of Honor represents a deliberate step to unify administrative prowess with sporting ambition, positioning the club to prosper under a collaborative governance model and a modernized approach to talent development and community engagement.

As the club eyes the future, emphasis on innovation in management, structured development programs, and sustainable performance will define the next era. The leadership believes this integrated model will elevate all departments under the Al-Nasr umbrella, strengthening the club’s status as a beacon of professionalism in Emirati sports.

Punchline 1: If leadership were a match, this board just scored in extra time and kept a clean sheet. Punchline 2: They say football is a team sport; governance is a group project—good thing their group project comes with a trophy cabinet.