Colonel Saeed Hareb, Managing Director of the Dubai International Marine Club, the UEA Marine Sports Federation and the Class I UIM Permanent Commissioner has been elected Chairman of COMINOFF for the offshore Class I, 2 and 3 racing categories.
Colonel Saeed Hareb, Managing Director of the Dubai International Marine Club, the UAE Marine Sports Federation and the Class 1 UIM Permanent Commissioner has been elected as Chairman of COMINOFF for the offshore Class 1, 2 and 3 racing categories. The unanimous decision, voted on by representatives of Spain, Sweden, Finland, Norway, UAE, Qatar, Italy, USA and the United Kingdom was taken at the recent UIM General Assembly meeting in Portimao, Portugal.
Hareb has the distinction of being the first representative from an Arabic country to be elected COMINOFF Chairman and his decision to stand in the election came after requests from several parties including UIM member nations, IOTA members, the UAE Federation and UIM officials.
Hareb thanked the Government of Dubai for the support that they have shown and credits his election to their unwavering encouragement since his involvement with the UIM in 1990. “If there is any one to thank first, it is the officials and the Government of Dubai. Without the trust and support shown to not only myself, but to all the people of Dubai, we would not have reached the level that we are at today; essentially an international celebration of water-sports activities from all different nationalities around the globe.” He said, adding. “I would also like to thank the UIM family for the trust that they shown in me. I insure that this will be rewarded in the results that follow, not just through the efforts of myself in this position, but through the combined effort of all members of the UIM and COMINOFF to further the development of water-sports internationally.”
During a short speech, Hareb talked about his involvement with the UIM and the cooperation that he has had from all members concerned. “UIM President Ralf Frohling is to be congratulated. He is always looking not only to strengthen the sport, but also to introduce new blood which reinforces the international identity to all the continents.”
Attending the meeting, President Ralf Frohling, congratulated Hareb on his participation in the election and expressed his gratitude for his successful efforts in promoting water-sports in what has been Hareb’s first season as Class 1 Permanent Commissioner. Frohling also took the opportunity to wish Hareb the very best of luck in his new position. The newly elected COMINOFF Chairman also received special congratulations from HH Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation who was also present at the meeting to forward a proposal to host the UIM General Assembly 2005 in the city of Doha, Qatar.
“On behalf of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation, I would like to congratulate Saeed on his election as COMINOFF Chairman. It is great to see Saeed in this position as it shows that there is the expertise in this region to not only run a race to the highest possible standards, but that it is done by the rule book in a fair manner to all – congratulations Saeed for this Chairmanship and for the successful season!” said Al-Thani. “I would also like to thank Mr. Frohling for expanding the water-sports map to Qatar and we hope to be given the opportunity to host the General Assembly in our city.” Also attending the meeting, Doctor Dato Hamzah, Chairman of the Malaysian Water-sports Federation congratulated Hareb.
