# Reception for Shabab Al Ahli Football Team by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
His Highness **Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum**, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, received the **Shabab Al Ahli football team** at Zabeel Palace in recognition of their outstanding performance during the **2024–2025 sports season**, where they secured **four titles**.
## Congratulations and Achievements
His Highness congratulated the players, technical and administrative staff, as well as board members on a season crowned with multiple achievements. The reception was attended by:
– **H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum**, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
– **H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum**, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai
## Importance of Sports in UAE
His Highness emphasized that the sports sector is essential to the UAE’s **development strategy**, contributing to human progress and strengthening the country’s position internationally. He stated that the leadership’s continued support for the sector reflects a strong belief in sports’ role to nurture **role models**, instill values, and shape a confident, ambitious generation.
## Support for Athletes and Clubs
Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed the leadership’s support for athletes and clubs to excel on the global stage. He stressed that sports clubs should serve as platforms for developing champions, both in terms of skill and character.
## Message to the Players
Addressing the players, His Highness commended their determination and team spirit. He noted that while reaching first place is a significant achievement, maintaining that position presents a greater challenge.
His Highness joined team members for a commemorative photo, encouraging them to sustain their high performance and expressing confidence in their ability to proudly represent the UAE in upcoming competitions.
## Season Highlights
The reception was also attended by **Khalifa Saeed bin Sulaiman**, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club. The Dubai-based team clinched **4 titles** during the season, including:
– their ninth UAE Pro League championship
– UAE President’s Cup for the 11th time
– UAE Super Cup
– UAE-Qatar Super Cup
