Page 12 - GAS PR REPORT - NOVEMBER 2023

Press Release

His Excellency the chairman of the General Authority of Sports inaugurates the main

session of the forum in the presence of high-profile Emirati and Gulf figures

Emirates Community Sports Forum boosts local sports

engagement for healthier, more creative generation

November 23, 2023- His Excellency Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education and
Chairman of the General Authority of Sports (GAS), today inaugurated the main session of the
first edition of the Emirates Community Sports Forum. The three-day event, held from November
22 to November 24 at the Authority's Dubai headquarters, is a collaborative effort with the
Emirates Sports for All Federation under the theme ‘Sports and Quality of Life.’

The distinguished gathering witnessed the presence of His Excellency Abdullah Ali Al-Rubaie,
Head of the Human Affairs and Environment Sector in the Secretariat General of the Gulf
Cooperation Council. Additionally, the event hosted various sports figures, as well as
representatives from strategic partners such as the National Olympic Committee, sports councils,
heads of sports federations, participating delegations from Gulf Cooperation Council countries,

and specialists in the field of community sports.

His Excellency Dr Al Falasi, emphasized the forum's significance as a leading platform addressing
strategies to advance and enrich community sports both locally and within the Gulf region. “It

serves as a platform to foster dialogue with Gulf Cooperation Council counterparts, and facilitate
the exchange of best practices for community sports development. This, in turn, and contributes to
the flourishing sports landscape in the region,” His Excellency added.

Highlighting the pivotal role of such initiatives, His Excellency underscored their contribution to
elevating the UAE's sports sector to unprecedented levels of excellence. “The forum aids in the
transition of the sports sector from an entertainment domain to a vital developmental and economic
sector. This transition supports the country’s sustainable economic and social development
process,” His Excellency Dr Al Falasi said.

His Excellency underscored the significance of instilling a sports culture across society to establish
the pillars of a healthy, distinguished, and prosperous community. His Excellency Dr Al Falasi
emphasized the importance of enhancing the community sports system for a united, tolerant, and
prosperous future society, extending beyond public health improvement.