Olympiad was a period of 4 years in ancient Greece. Each period of 4 years started with the Olympic Games. The first recognized Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C.

Following the rebirth of the Olympic Games, the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1986 in Athens under the supervision of the International Olympic Committee.. 295 athletes from 13 countries had participated in it.

Since then, the Olympic Games continued to be held on a regular basis. The Olympic movement in the UAE started in 1979 with the establishment of the National Olympic Committee which became a member in the International Olympic Committee in 1980.

The UAE participated in the Olympic Games of Los Angeles in 1984 for the first time and then in Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, and Atlanta 1996. Further it has participated in Sydney 2000 in Shooting (Skeet & Trap), Swimming and Athletics.

The UAE will participate in the XXXIII Olympic Games – Athens 2004 in shooting (Trap & Double Trap), Athletics and Swimming.