Page 16 - Ministry of Sports PR Report - October 2024

Press Release

‘A New Vision… A Better Sporting Future’

Ministry of Sports leads ‘Future of Sports Retreat’ with

participation of UAE Ministers, Sector Leaders, and Olympic
athletes to explore ways to enhance sports development and advance

the National Sports Strategy 2031

UAE, Tuesday, 23 October 2024- The Ministry of Sports held the ‘Future of Sports Retreat’ today
under the thematic ‘A New Vision for a Better Sports Future’ to discuss the future of Emirati sports
and set the course for the next phase of National Sports Strategy 2031.

This retreat marked the first major milestone for the Ministry of Sports since the announcement of
its inception. The event brought together senior leaders from across the government and sports
community as well as decision-makers from sports organisations and Olympic and Paralympic
athletes to exchange ideas and experiences, explore opportunities and challenges facing Emirati
sports, and discuss ways to instil a culture of sports and active lifestyle across all segments of
society.

The retreat was held in the presence of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of
the National Olympic Committee, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of
Sports, Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International
Cooperation His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human
Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research,
His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, along with
several esteemed heads of sports federations and prominent sports personalities and athletes in the
country.

Discussions focused on the development of strategies to continue to strengthen and expand the
sector to achieve leadership’s vision to realize the full potential social and economic impact of
sports on the future of the UAE. That included discussing the development of youth and the
country’s future elite athletes, how to promote professionalism among emerging athletes, as well
as exploring the potential of sports as a form of public diplomacy to enhance the UAE’s global
position and advance nation branding objectives.

During his opening speech, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, said:
“This retreat presents a valuable opportunity for the entire Emirati sports community and affiliated
partners to come together as one to plan for the future of UAE sports. Our aim is to develop
recommendations and initiatives that will pave the way for a new beginning, driving the growth
of our sports sector to maximize its potential contribution and impact on a prosperous and
sustainable future of this country and its people.”

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