Page 13 - GAS PR REPORT - NOVEMBER 2023

Press Release

In his address at the forum, His Excellency asserted the UAE’s substantial contribution to
community sports, and highlighted its role in identifying and developing sports talent, fostering
exceptional athletes, and achieving professional and leadership milestones. “Over the past decades,

sports have emerged as a pivotal element in the forward-looking vision of wise leadership in the
UAE. The government has devoted considerable efforts to advancing sports within its
developmental frameworks. This initiative encompasses not only elite sports but also community-
based sports, with a primary emphasis on cultivating a robust and athletic society to foster
sustainable growth and mold the future,” His Excellency said.

“The Emirates Community Sports Forum represents one of the most important new initiatives
launched by the UAE, aimed at exploring opportunities for advancing community sports
development in both the local context of the UAE and the broader Gulf region. This initiative is in
line with the National Strategy for Sports 2031, which seeks to elevate community sports
participation to 71% within the next decade. But achieving this goal necessitates collaborative
efforts among all stakeholders in the sports sector,” His Excellency Dr Al Falasi added.

His Excellency Abdullah Ali Al-Rubaie, the representative of the Secretariat General of the Gulf
Cooperation Council in the forum, said: “The concept of universal sports plays a crucial role in
the global strategies of nations. Its philosophy is based on cultivating friendship among nations
and communities, fostering cross-cultural interactions, and supporting national federations in
spreading and advancing their respective sports. The ‘Sports for All’ initiative encourages
consistent engagement in sports, contributing to improved strength, fitness, health, and cultural
exchange across various age demographics.”

His Excellency expressed appreciation for the UAE's role in hosting and embracing this pioneering
forum, which is the first of its kind, dedicated to addressing community sports issues at both
regional and global levels. The forum encourages the exchange of knowledge among sports and

physical education experts, researchers, and scholars from around the world, with a specific
emphasis on the latest advancements in inclusive sports. Its primary goal is to nurture scientific
understanding and foster collaboration among participants.

On the second day of the forum, key activities included interactive sessions, with a notable one
titled ‘Future Prospects for Community Sports’, moderated by journalist Mishal Al-Qahtani. This
session hosted distinguished speakers, including His Excellency Shaima Saleh Al-Hussaini from
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prof. Faisal Al-Mulla from the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Dr
Maryam Khalifa Arab from Kuwait. The session delved into various topics such as collaboration,
innovation, capacity building, and applied research, specifically focusing on advancing sports