Arab Rugby Federation officially formed at Dubai meeting

The Arab Rugby Federation (ARF) has officially been formed following an extraordinary general meeting held in Dubai.

The ARF has been formed to represent the Arab nations in rugby, under the auspices of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees (UANOC), with the intent to participate in regional games, which follow the pathway to World Rugby, and IOC sanctioned and recognised events.
 
‎Speaking at the general meeting, newly appointed ARF Chairman, Qais Al Dhalai said: “The formation of this federation is very important to the development of rugby (in the Arab world) as the sole focus is on rugby itself. We aim to support and stimulate World Rugby and Asia Rugby’s strategic objective of growing the game, and open doors for rugby’s inclusion at the upcoming West Asia Games and the Arab Games, which are both owned by the UANOC.”
 
ARF’s committee was also finalised, with Morocco appointed first vice-chairman, Tunisia second vice-chairman (both Morocco and Tunisia hold World Rugby membership), and UAERF board member Mohamed Shaker appointed as Secretary General.

“I'm very confident the Arab Rugby Federation will offer various development opportunities to grow the sport among the Arab nations, which at the end of the day will benefit all parties,” Shaker added.

The new federation’s formation was witnessed in the presence of nine Arab rugby bodies: UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Tunisia and Morocco.

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