Despite recognition from World Rugby for the work he and the UAE Rugby Federation have done in four short years since its birth, Qais Al Dhalai insists he has no intention of resting on his laurels.

The UAE RF’s secretary general described the praise received by rugby’s governing body last week as the “ultimate outcome” but was quick to thank his rugby family.

“We have been fully operational since 2011 and it’s taken us four years to get this recognition. Hard work always pays off,” said Al Dhalai. 

“We have done a great job, everyone who belongs to the UAE RF family. This recognition is one of the ultimate outcomes for any sports administrator.”

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Al Dhalai is determined to press ahead with new initiatives, including a collaborative venture between the UAE RF, World Rugby and Asia Rugby to promote rugby in war-torn Palestine.

“We have a promising project to introduce rugby to Palestine, working closely with World Rugby and Asia Rugby to introduce the game,” he said. 

“We are doing a good thing for the right reason, to spread the game. The biggest value of rugby is to grow the game. 

“World Rugby does not only look after performance. The Rugby World Cup and HSBC Sevens World Series is key but growing the game is an equal part. 

“Development is my hobby, I love it and think I and my colleagues in UAE RF and AR are doing well.”