• H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi: 'Under the guidance of our wise leadership, Emirati sports are embarking on a new era. This retreat offers an ideal platform to explore the future of UAE sports and strategies for advancement of the national sports sector.'
• The retreat will address five central themes: Youth and Sports, University Sports, Sports and Public Diplomacy, Preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, and the Integration of the UAE’s Sports Ecosystem.
• The retreat will result in new recommendations and initiatives designed to propel the sector forward and strengthen the UAE's presence on the regional and global sports stage.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2024: The Ministry of Sports will convene its 'Future of Sports Retreat' next week under the theme 'A New Vision... A Better Sports Future' to unite leaders from across the national sports community to work together to help establish a new vision and set a course for the growth of the sporting ecosystem across the country.

Scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Dubai, this landmark event is the first of its kind in the UAE’s national sports landscape. It will bring together Ministers, government officials, leading decision makers, and experts from the sports sector and related industries, alongside athletes from the UAE’s national Olympic and Paralympic teams.

Speaking about the sports sector strategy retreat, H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, said: “Emirati sports are entering a new phase of investment and development driven by the commitment of our wise leadership which has elevated the priority of sports in the nation’s broader strategic vision. The formation of the Ministry of Sports reflects the importance of this sector to our national social and economic development and the opportunity it represents to support the development of our youth while enhancing the UAE’s reputation in the regional and international sporting world.”

H.E Al Falasi added: 'This retreat presents a unique platform for representatives across the UAE sports community to exchange insights and experiences while fostering closer integration and coordination between the Ministry of Sports, various national sports entities, and relevant public and private sector partners. The retreat will highlight the primary opportunities and challenges within the sector while exploring ways to elevate the governance of the sports ecosystem to help propel it to new heights. The event will feature extensive discussions and interactive sessions aimed at producing recommendations and decisions to drive transformative progress across the sports sector.”

The retreat will incorporate brainstorming sessions aimed at developing fresh strategies and mechanisms to embed sports culture in all segments of society and raise awareness of the importance of participation in organized sports as well as maintaining an active lifestyle among citizens and residents across the country.

Special emphasis will be placed on promoting a culture of professional development and support for emerging elite talent and young athletes. Discussions will be centered around five key themes: Youth and Sports, University Sports, Sports and Public Diplomacy, Preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, and the Integration of the National Sports Ecosystem.

Expected outcomes of the retreat include new recommendations for future sporting community initiatives as well as the launch of collaborative programs to propel UAE sports to new levels of development and professionalism with the aim of solidifying the UAE’s position on the international sports stage while contributing to sustainable development goals.