In a notable achievement for Egyptian sports, Major General Dr. Moanes Abu Ouf, the head of the Egyptian Sailing Federation, has been elected as the president of the Arab Orienteering Sports Union for a four-year term spanning from 2024 to 2028. The decision was reached during the General Assembly meeting conducted under the supervision of FIFA and garnered support from various Arab federations.

Expressing his joy upon being elected, Abu Ouf shared, “I am delighted to be chosen as president, and we promise to achieve remarkable accomplishments. Several crucial decisions await us, including approving the activity plan for 2024 and assigning the organization of the first Arab Orienteering Championship in 2024 to Algeria.”

Highlighting the significance of their goals, he continued, “We will also work on establishing the Arab Center for Development and Training to prepare Arab cadres in various aspects of the sport, including organizers, referees, coaches, and map designers. The center will be based in Jordan.”

The composition of the newly formed board of the Arab Orienteering Sports Union is as follows:

– *President: Major General Dr. Moanes Abu Ouf (Egypt)*
– First Vice President: El Hadi Msab (Algeria)
– *Second Vice President: Khamees Al Baloushi (UAE)*
– Secretary-General: Thaer Ayyash (Jordan)
– Treasurer: Dr. Ahmed Saad (Egypt)
– Board Members: Diana Malaeb (Lebanon), Dr. Hala Jamal (Bahrain), Marwan Al Shaib (Tunisia), Dr. Hussein Al Nasiri (Iraq), Mohamed Abdullah (Yemen), Ibrahim Bouraig (Libya), and Ziad Mourtada (Mauritania).

This success marks a significant step forward for orienteering sports in the Arab region, with Khamees Al Baloushi playing a pivotal role as the Second Vice President. The foundation he laid as the founder of the Orienteering Sports Foundation adds to the pride and success of this achievement.

Source: Al Masr Al Youm

The Orienteering Sports Foundation, headquartered in Dubai, has unveiled plans to organize an international championship in the UAE in the second half of the upcoming year 2024. The foundation is currently extending invitations to Orienteering Sports associations worldwide to participate in this prestigious event, which falls under the umbrella of the International Union for Orienteering Sports, comprising 78 active nations.

Khemis Khemis Mohammed Al Balushi, the founder and director of the Orienteering Sports Foundation, revealed that the foundation has received preliminary approval for permanent membership from the International Union, having fulfilled the required criteria related to organizing a specific number of championships. Al Balushi disclosed plans for an international tournament next year, with the foundation actively engaging with global associations after coordinating with relevant authorities in the country.

Al Balushi emphasized the current objective of establishing a local union for this sport in the UAE, aiming to promote the game founded by the individual foundation in July 2021. With a current following of 900 practitioners, the foundation observes a growing interest and passion for Orienteering Sports, attributing its appeal to its contributions to individual development across physical, mental, emotional, and recreational aspects, as well as its tourism potential.

Highlighting their previous achievements, Al Balushi noted the successful organization of 36 events in the UAE, including the sixth Arab Military Orienteering Championship in November and a recent two-day tournament in Abu Dhabi in February. He expressed the foundation’s hope for further expansion, intending to conduct training courses and increase awareness of the sport throughout the country.

Al Balushi proudly mentioned that their tournaments included competitions for individuals with Down syndrome and their families over five years. These competitions took place in various locations, such as Safa Park in Dubai, Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi, Zabeel Park, and Mushrif Park. He emphasized that government entities, including the Emirates Post Group, the ambulance service, and Dubai Police personnel, were among the first to embrace Orienteering Sports.

In conclusion, Al Balushi expressed optimism about the formation of a local union, anticipating broader horizons for participation and the organization of international championships. The foundation remains dedicated to spreading Orienteering Sports’ ease of practice in parks, recreational areas, and tourist destinations

The undeniable impact of modern technology on various aspects of life continues to reshape individual functions and lifestyles. However, orienteering sports foundation remains deeply rooted in history.

Khemis Ibrahim, who heads the Orienteering Sports Foundation in the UAE, aims to enhance its presence in Zayed City. He led the first Compass Orienteering Olympics in 2003, and since then, its popularity has grown, thanks to the support of the armed forces.

Ibrahim describes Orienteering Sports Foundation as relying on both physical and mental fitness, adding that it carries exceptional enjoyment. He also discusses its challenges with modern applications, but he emphasizes that its social and cultural value keeps it enduring.

Starting as an Olympic athlete in track and field, Khemis Ibrahim found a new challenge in Orienteering Sports Foundation. After transitioning to this field, he became a coach for track and field and contributed to developing sports programs for people with disabilities.

In 2003, Ibrahim joined Orienteering Sports Foundation, leveraging his military experience. He established teams and organized competitions within military events. Thanks to the participation of numerous athletes, they now have annual challenges and competitions.

Orienteering Sports Foundation in the UAE has become a diverse phenomenon enjoyed by all ages, reflecting the society’s culture and desert heritage. Ibrahim looks optimistically towards forming a union for this sport, contributing to elevating the UAE’s position internationally.

This story unfolds Khemis Ibrahim’s journey in Orienteering Sports Foundation, where he sees a challenge that blends fitness and thinking. He strives to pass on his passion and experience to the new generation of participants.