Dubai Sports Council to Host 'Dubai Sports Retreat' on November 12

Photo : Dubai government media office

The Dubai Sports Council is set to host the ‘Dubai Sports Retreat’ on November 12, 2024, at the iconic Museum of the Future. The event will carry the theme “Dubai: The First Sports Destination,” reflecting the city’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for sports excellence. This prestigious gathering aligns with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, who has laid out a clear vision to shape the future of sports in Dubai over the next two Olympic cycles (2025-2033).

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During a press conference held at the Dubai Sports Council headquarters, officials unveiled details of the retreat and its goals. His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, joined His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Council, and media representatives to share information about the upcoming event. The press briefing began with a message of gratitude towards Dubai’s leadership for their unwavering support of sports initiatives and for the significant contributions of past Council members in the development of Dubai’s sports sector.

The Dubai Sports Retreat will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including top-ranking ministers, government officials, and sports figures. Among the confirmed speakers are His Excellency Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; His Excellency Hilal Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai; Her Excellency Hessa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai; and His Excellency Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, owner and patron of the Dubai Basketball Team.

In addition to these officials, a number of renowned sports stars will also participate in the retreat. The list of confirmed attendees includes Khabib Nurmagomedov, the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, former France and Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, Lebanese basketball legend Fadi Al Khatib, former world No. 1 doubles tennis player Sania Mirza from India, and Indian cricket star Harbhajan Singh.

Khalfan Belhoul expressed his excitement at Dubai’s growing stature on the global sports stage. “Dubai’s positioning as a leading global sports destination is a significant achievement, and we are committed to continuing this success. The goal of the Sports Retreat is to engage athletes, decision-makers, and the public in shaping the future of sports in Dubai,” he said. He highlighted the importance of gathering input from all sectors of society, including athletes, sports experts, and the general public, to drive the development of the sports sector and bring Dubai closer to its goal of becoming the world’s top sports destination.

Reflecting on the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Khalfan Belhoul noted, “Success is a journey, and when you reach a peak, you look forward to the next. Our goal is to keep moving forward and reach new heights in our efforts to elevate Dubai’s sports scene.” 

The event will feature various discussion panels that will focus on six key areas: community sports, sports infrastructure, hosting major sports events, sports clubs, football, and nurturing sports talent. These topics are designed to explore all facets of the sports ecosystem in Dubai and foster collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and international organizations to further enhance Dubai’s position on the global sports map.

The Dubai Sports Council also plans to use the retreat as an opportunity to launch new initiatives based on the results of a public survey about the sports sector. This survey, led by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, invites input from members of the public, athletes, and sports workers. The insights garnered will play a vital role in the discussions at the Sports Retreat, helping to shape the future direction of sports in Dubai.

“We are keen to hear the opinions of sports professionals and the community at large,” said Belhoul. “This feedback will be crucial in determining how we can continue to grow and improve our sports sector, ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of global sports excellence.”

The survey, which has received positive engagement from both the public and the sports sector, will be discussed during the retreat to ensure that every voice is heard. Participants will also explore various proposals and ideas on how to improve and expand sports opportunities in Dubai.

The Dubai Sports Retreat promises to be an event that not only celebrates Dubai’s current achievements in the world of sports but also paves the way for its future as a leader in the global sports arena. The retreat will offer a platform for meaningful conversations among key stakeholders, with the aim of fostering innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of Dubai’s sports ambitions.