Page 33 - Ministry of Sports PR Report - October 2024

10/24/24, 10:13 AM Ministry Of Sports Leads Future Of Sports Retreat' With Participation Of UAE Ministers, Sector Leaders, And Olympic Athletes To…
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.”

“The government's decision to establish the Ministry of Sports reflects its commitment to
making a significant leap forward in the national sports ecosystem. This important step

reflects the government's dedication towards empowering our current and future athletes and
enabling the promise of Emirati youth to achieve their full potential for leadership and

excellence. The retreat is a vital first step as we come together as one family to shape the
future of this sector to contribute to the realisation of the government's vision and direction of

the country for the next decade and help transform these ambitions into reality,” His
Excellency added.

Expressing his pride on the sports champions who represented the country in Paris 2024
Olympics and Paralympic Games, His Excellency addressed them with a motivational speech,

saying:“You have been symbols of resilience and success in sports, embodying the
determination and perseverance needed for our sports sector and its future athletes to realize
success at the highest levels. We believe that you represent the hope and foundation for the

future of our sports sector and serve as true role models for new generations of Emirati

athletes.”

The retreat provided participants an opportunity to reflect the significance of collaboration and
combined efforts among all partners in the sports sector to achieve the core objectives of the
initial phase of National Sports Strategy 2031. In less than a year, the UAE sports community

has realized a completion rate of approximately 95 percent of all eight high-priority projects in
the first phase of the new national sports strategy. Core pillars of the UAE's sports strategy

include increasing the community member participation in sports to 75 percent by 2031,
raising the number of athletes qualifying for the Olympic Games to over 30 by the Brisbane

2032 Olympics, and intensifying efforts to boost the sports sector's contribution to the non-oil
GDP, aiming for 0.5 per cent by 2031.

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