His Excellency Aref Al Awani has been the General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council since 2014. He holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Development, and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. With over 28 years of experience, Al Awani has shown a strong commitment to leadership and sports advancement in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
As General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Al Awani oversees the management and execution of sports activities in Abu Dhabi. His responsibilities include providing institutional and operational support, leading strategic planning, and realizing the Abu Dhabi government’s vision for the sports sector.
Under his leadership, the Council has received numerous international awards, including 32 in 2022-2023 alone, such as the Stevie Award, SPIA Award, MBR Award, and Goodman Award. He has championed various sports events in Abu Dhabi, while promoting physical fitness and community engagement. His efforts led to the vision “Abu Dhabi: A Global Capital for Sports, Practice, Competition and Hosting,” which includes outreach programs and initiatives for women’s sports empowerment and People of Determination.
Al Awani has forged partnerships with international sports institutions like the International Cycling Union, FIFA, the Asian Chess Federation, and the International Swimming Federation, facilitating the hosting of over 300 international events in the Middle East. Notable achievements include the UAE Tour cycling race, the successful bid to host the 2019 Special Olympics World Games, and the introduction of the Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix.
Additionally, he has promoted inclusivity and diversity in sports through initiatives like the UAE Women’s Tour and chairing the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Award Committee. His efforts have improved the UAE’s international competitiveness and increased the nation’s physical activity participation rate. He has also been a strong advocate for environmental sustainability, as evidenced in the carbon-free Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, which further reinforced the economic value of sports with a financial return of AED 1.1 billion over three years.
Recognizing the importance of media coverage, Al Awani has ensured significant presence for sports events on major television and radio stations, and in sports magazines, resulting in a financial return of AED 1.2 billion over three years. His unwavering belief in success and innovation has significantly improved the quality of life in Abu Dhabi, elevating the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s status and contributing to Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier sports destination. He continues to lead with a vision of excellence, fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable sports culture for future generations.