Ex-UAE handball star Omar Al Zubayr relishes giving back to the society

In the echelons of Dubai Police, he is known as Major Omar Muhammad Zubair Muhammad Al Marzouqi — an officer of distinction.

But beyond the badge and uniform, in the world of international handball, he is immortalized by a different name: Omar Al Zubayr, a pioneering referee, Olympic observer, and a sporting ambassador whose life has been a symphony of discipline, passion, and national pride.

His ability to balance a demanding career in law enforcement with his significant contributions to international handball serves as an inspiration to many.

Born on March 28, 1971, in the heart of Dubai, the Emirati has worn many hats — athlete, international referee, Olympic observer, and devoted family man to his wife and seven children: Ashjan, Al-Anoud, Muhammad, Maitha, Ghanem, Abdullah, and Afra.

His passion for sports sparked in the 1980s with dreams of becoming a footballer. Rejected by Al Nasr despite persistent efforts, his hopes dimmed—but not his drive. Turning to handball, his second choice soon became a powerful testament to his resilience.

“From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a professional footballer. I poured my heart into every training session at Al Nasr club, fueled by ambition and a relentless work ethic, determined to earn my place among the elite, said Omar Al Zubayr.

“I had envisioned myself wearing their colours with pride—but fate had other plans.

“Despite the setback of rejection, my spirit remained unshaken. I refused to let one closed door define my journey. With resilience as my compass, I turned toward handball, embracing a new challenge with open arms. And there, on unfamiliar ground, I discovered not just a sport— but a calling. The rest, as they say, is history.

His journey from the humble courts of Al Nasr Sports Club, where he first picked up the ball in 1984, to the grand stages of the London 2012 Olympics, reads like a chapter from an epic Emirati sports tale.

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.

His whistle would soon echo on international grounds, earning his continental badge in Muscat in 2000 and his international badge in Kuwait in 2003. What followed was a trailblazing journey across the globe. Over 170 international matches and 1,050 local games bear the mark of his fairness, vision, and authority.

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 sparkle 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.

The following month, his expertise took him to Bahrain for the Seventh Asian Junior Championships, where his role was pivotal in the qualification pathway for the World Cup.

His journey came full circle in 2019 at the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi, celebrating inclusion and excellence. As a technical observer, he brought his expertise to Olympic qualifiers, World Cups, and finals in Brazil, Sweden, Russia, and Denmark—often as the sole Asian representative.

His dedication has earned him top honors, including the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Sports Excellence Award (2010) and the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Sports Creativity (2011), recognising his impact on refereeing in the UAE and Asia.

Despite his international acclaim, he stayed rooted in local development, serving as national team secretary from 2000 to 2009.

Even as he built a towering international reputation, Omar Al Zubayr remained grounded. His service as secretary for the national teams from 2000 to 2009 reflects his tireless dedication to developing the sport at home.

From Dubai’s courts to the Olympic arena, Major Omar Al-Zubayr’s whistle may have silenced, but the echoes of his legacy continue to shape the future of handball.

Sticking of commitment of giving back to the society, Major Omar Al Zubayr has been regularly hosting gatherings (majlis) of athletes, federation officials, and sports personalities where ideas are exchanged and achievements are celebrated.

“Sports have always been at the heart of my journey, and I believe true development begins at the grassroots — sometimes even at the living room table," says Major Omar Al Zubayr. "That’s why I’ve opened my home as a space for national athletic dialogue — a place where athletes, federation officials, and sports leaders can come together, exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and build strategies for the future of sport in the UAE."

"Honouring UAE athletes is more than a gesture of appreciation — it’s a powerful reminder that their triumphs lift the spirit of a nation and inspire even greater glory on the global stage."