The United Arab Emirates is in mourning following the tragic passing of Osama Al Shaafar, a revered figure in both the political and sporting arenas. Al Shaafar, a former member of the Federal National Council (FNC) and a prominent leader in cycling and bodybuilding, died on Wednesday due to an accident abroad. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the nation, with tributes flooding social media platforms and official statements from various organizations. Friends, colleagues, and admirers remembered Al Shaafar as a man of exceptional kindness, humility, and warmth, often describing him as ‘a brother before a friend.’ His genuine smile and unwavering support for others left an indelible mark on those who knew him. Al Shaafar’s contributions to the UAE and Asian sporting communities were immense. He served as president of the UAE Cycling Federation for eight years, during which the sport achieved significant milestones in talent development and international recognition. He also held leadership roles in the Asian Cycling Confederation and the International Cycling Union (UCI), among others. His legacy includes numerous accolades, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award and the Gold Medal of Honor from the International Federation of Bodybuilding. The UAE community continues to honor his memory, reflecting on the profound impact he had on both sports and society.
‘A brother before a friend’: UAE mourns Osama Al Shaafar, ex FNC member, sporting icon
