Osama Ahmed Al-Shafar, one of the UAE’s most prominent sports administrators and a former member of the Federal National Council, died on 19 November 2025 in a road accident in Kazakhstan. A driving force behind the rise of Emirati cycling, Al-Shafar served as President of the Asian Cycling Confederation and as a vice-president at the UCI, and previously led the UAE Cycling Federation and the UAE Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation. His sudden death has prompted official condolences from senior UAE leaders and sports bodies, with funeral prayers scheduled after Dhuhr on 20 November and burial at Al-Quoz Cemetery in Dubai. Loved for building bridges between grassroots clubs and international federations, Al-Shafar’s passing leaves a significant leadership gap in both national and continental cycling circles.
Remembering Osama Al Shafar
The global sports community is in shock following the sudden death of Osama Al Shafar, a towering figure in both UAE politics and international sports administration. Al Shafar, who was only 50 years old, passed away on November 19, 2025, following a tragic accident that occurred while he was in Uzbekistan.A prominent UAE businessman and former Member of the Federal National Council (FNC), Al Shafar dedicated two decades of his life to elevating sports across the region and the world. Tributes have poured in, remembering him as a dedicated leader and the driving force behind the remarkable rise of cycling in the Middle East.
Global architect of Asian Cycling
Osama Al Shafar’s most impactful work was in the world of professional cycling. He was the reigning President of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), a position he had held since 2017 and was re-elected to in 2021. His leadership broke barriers on the global stage when he became the first-ever ACC President to be elected as a Vice-President of the International Cycling Union (UCI) in 2021, a term set to conclude in 2025.Within the UAE, he was the former President of the UAE Cycling Federation and was instrumental in turning the nation into a major player on the racing circuit. Most notably, Al Shafar was a key architect in the development and successful launch of the WorldTour-level UAE Tour races, cementing the country’s place in elite international cycling.
How the tragic event unfolded?
According to early reports, Al Shafar was travelling in Kazakhstan on official sporting commitments when his vehicle was involved in a fatal road accident. The exact circumstances of the collision have not yet been fully disclosed by authorities, but sources confirm that emergency responders declared him dead at the scene.He had been scheduled to meet sporting officials in the region as part of his duties with the Asian Cycling Confederation, which he had led since 2017. His death came abruptly, catching both UAE officials and Asian cycling bodies by surprise, as there had been no prior indication of health or safety concerns during the trip.Funeral prayers were set for the following day, with burial at Al-Quoz Cemetery in Dubai, allowing the UAE’s sporting community to pay final respects.
Condolences from global leaders
News of Al Shafar’s sudden passing prompted an immediate outpouring of sorrow from government officials, Olympic bodies, and sports federations globally, all acknowledging his immense contributions.The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and its President, David Lappartient, offered heartfelt tributes. Lappartient described Al Shafar as “a true friend” whose loss is deeply mourned by the international community. The organizers of the UAE Tour released a statement honoring his monumental impact, remembering him as “a pioneer, a leader, and a driving force behind the sport’s rise in the region.”
