Former UAE handball star Omar Al Zubair outlines vision ahead of federation elections

 International handball referee Omar Mohammed Zubair Mohammed Al Marzouqi has announced his objectives for running as a candidate for membership in the UAE Handball Federation for the upcoming 2025–2028 term, as part of the list headed by Saud Saleh, who is running for the presidency of the federation in the elections scheduled for October 12.

Omar Al Zubayr's playing career spanned over a decade, where he was a mainstay at Al Nasr until 1994, helping secure numerous championships in the cubs, juniors, and youth divisions. But it was in 1996 that his true calling emerged — the realm of arbitration.

The former Emirati handball star stated that his highest goal is to serve the beloved nation, with his enduring motto being the launch of initiatives to develop the sport—even if he does not secure a seat on the federation’s board of directors.

His objectives take several forms, foremost among them the adoption of awarding cash prizes for championship victories by the UAE Handball Federation, rather than limiting recognition to trophies and medals alone.

This, he explained, would reinforce the federation’s efforts to grow the game and increase passion for it.

Among his goals is also encouraging clubs to implement attractive programmes to discover promising refereeing talent, so that the UAE can produce distinguished officials capable of representing the nation at international, global, and continental levels.

Omar Al Zubair also sees the necessity of allocating one training day per week for the national teams throughout the year, in order to reap long-term benefits. In addition, he proposes the allocation of a dedicated plot of land for the UAE Handball Federation to establish a sports hall with diverse facilities such as offices, hotel rooms, a gymnasium, and commercial outlets—aimed at boosting investment resources.

Another key objective is focusing on Emirati personnel in clubs and national teams, and allowing for the participation of local coaches, even if this increases the number of technical and administrative staff during matches.

He further pledged to seek sponsors for the league and other competitions through innovative initiatives, while also working to host Gulf, Arab, Asian, and international championships to elevate the sport.

Omar Al Zubair added that he will also ensure the presence of board members at the referees’ table during all matches, particularly men’s competitions, to help achieve the desired objectives.

In addition, he emphasized the importance of supporting the participation of national teams and referees in European summer festivals, in order to gain experience, exposure, and further development.

Omar Al Zubayr's playing career spanned over a decade, where he was a mainstay at Al Nasr until 1994, helping secure numerous championships in the cubs, juniors, and youth divisions. But it was in 1996 that his true calling emerged — the realm of arbitration.

Omar Al Zubayr didn’t just participate — he made history. He shattered the European monopoly in handball officiating by becoming the first Asian referee to take charge of World Cup semi-finals and finals, ushering in a new era for Arab and Asian officials.

His credentials sparkled with appearances at 60 global championships, including: World Championships in Sweden and Spain, World Youth Cups in Egypt and Greece, Women's World Cup in South Korea, Asian Games in Qatar and China, Olympic Games in London 2012 and Rio 2016 and Confederations Cup in Qatar.

In August 2016, he made history as the only Asian selected to represent Brazil as a technical observer, overseeing 12 high-stakes men’s matches, including a quarter-final and semi-final.