The UAE National Olympic Committee has opened the United Arab Emirates Olympic House to global audience in Paris, as part of the country’s participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The initiative is welcoming international visitors to promote global awareness of the UAE’s rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as its national identity on the global stage.
Located in the heart of Paris, this initiative offers visitors from around the world an interactive and immersive experience of Emirati culture and hospitality during the Olympic fortnight.
With a design inspired by a traditional Emirati home, visitors of the UAE Olympic House are invited to explore the rich cultural tapestry of the Emirates and discover the nation's rich cultural heritage, innovative spirit, passion for sports and renowned warm hospitality.
The UAE Olympic House offers visitors immersive experiences in Emirati culture through eight themed rooms, including Al Sikka (the place of beginning), Al Majlis (the place of welcoming), Al Liwan (the place of connection), Al Meydan (the place of action), and Al Hiwy (the place of play) with three interactive augmented reality games inspired by Emirati games and digital interactions, enabling visitors to become active participants in shaping their own experience. Guests can also discover a hand-painted 18-frame mural inspired by the Sh'abi house, a recognisable part of the UAE’s urban heritage. To complete the visit, Erth, the place of socialising, invites visitors to sample the flavours of the UAE, and Al Dukkan, the place of memory, enables each visitor to take home a souvenir.
The UAE Olympic House will not only serve as a cultural hub but also as a gathering point for Emirati citizens, residents and supporters, providing opportunities to meet and interact with Emirati athletes.
To celebrate the inauguration of its first-ever UAE Olympic House, a reception was held in the presence of the official Emirati delegation attending the opening festivities of the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. The delegation is led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, accompanied by senior officials, including Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee; His Excellency Dr Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Executive Office of the National Olympic Committee; Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State; His Excellency Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director General of the General Authority of Sports, and Fares Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee, said: "The opening of the UAE Olympic House in Paris highlights our commitment to advancing sports development, enhancing our presence at major global events, and building strategic relationships with other nations. This initiative not only serves as a gathering place, but also underscores our dedication to fostering international sporting relations, particularly with France, leveraging both countries' expertise to further mutual interests in sports development."
Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State, said: "The UAE Olympic House in Paris reflects our nation’s belief in the importance of international cooperation and cultural exchange, aligning with the spirit and values of the Olympic Games. The house serves as an inclusive concept that embodies our country’s support for the sports sector within an environment of mutual understanding, communication, and dialogue, and reflects the UAE’s commitment to achieving mutual interests that contribute to regional and international stability and prosperity."
Her Excellency underscored the spirit of coexistence in the UAE, with over 200 nationalities from diverse social and cultural backgrounds living together in an atmosphere marked by tolerance and mutual respect.
Furthermore, Al Kaabi stated that France’s hosting of the UAE Olympic House demonstrates the deep-rooted strategic ties between the two countries, which share a common vision that openness and generosity with the countries, peoples, and cultures of the world are sources for enrichment. Her Excellency also highlighted that the cultural bonds between the UAE and the French Republic, as well as other partnerships across diverse fields, have witnessed significant progress in recent years, as evidenced by the UAE's distinct participation in this major global sports event.
UAE Olympic House is located at 46 Rue Cambon, near Place de la Concorde where events will take place in the urban park. It will be open to the public from 27 July until 11 August 2024, from 10am to 8pm throughout the Olympic period. Entrance is free of charge.
