UAE Joins Asia Dialogue on Sports Cooperation and Innovation

The United Arab Emirates participated in the First Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting on Sports, titled “From Traditions to Innovations: The Future of Sports in the ACD Countries.” The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 13th International Sports Forum, “Russia – Country of Sports,” held in Samara, Russian Federation. The event brought together ministers, senior officials, and representatives from international sports organizations to discuss the future of sports cooperation across Asia.

The UAE delegation was led by Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, who represented the nation at the meeting. Al Hajeri joined officials from other ACD member states, as well as representatives of regional and international sporting bodies. The presence of the UAE reflected its ongoing commitment to advancing international cooperation in sports and promoting partnerships that encourage innovation, youth participation, and athletic development across the continent.

The ACD Ministerial Meeting focused on strengthening sports cooperation among Asian nations. The participants discussed ways to build partnerships, share expertise, and create joint programs that contribute to the development of the sports sector at both regional and global levels. The meeting served as a platform to explore new frameworks that can enhance collaboration in infrastructure, talent discovery, training, and sports management.

During the meeting, Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri highlighted that the UAE, guided by its wise leadership, places strong emphasis on promoting international collaboration across all fields, especially in sports. He explained that sports act as a universal language that connects nations and builds bridges of friendship, understanding, and cooperation among people worldwide. This vision aligns with the UAE’s broader goal of promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development through cultural and sporting exchange.

Al Hajeri noted that sports go beyond competition—they create opportunities for dialogue and mutual respect among nations. He emphasized that through sports, countries can strengthen their social bonds, celebrate diversity, and encourage teamwork and determination. According to him, these values are essential to creating a more inclusive and peaceful world. The UAE’s participation in the ACD meeting demonstrated its belief in using sports as a tool to unite people and promote shared progress.

In his address, Al Hajeri also spoke about the rapid role of technology in shaping the future of sports. He explained that innovation has become a vital factor in improving athletic performance, enhancing training methods, and managing sports organizations effectively. He highlighted the importance of adopting artificial intelligence, smart data analytics, and digital systems to help athletes reach their full potential. The UAE believes that technological advancement will continue to redefine how sports are practiced, taught, and managed.

Al Hajeri outlined the UAE’s National Sports Strategy, which focuses on building a modern and innovative sports ecosystem. The plan aims to nurture local talent, promote creativity, and support young athletes through specialized programs. He said that creating an environment where innovation thrives will help produce future champions and ensure that the UAE remains a regional and global leader in sports excellence. The strategy also aligns with the country’s broader vision of sustainability and youth empowerment.

The Under-Secretary emphasized that youth are the foundation of the UAE’s sports development efforts. He said, “Youth are the driving force of the future, and investing in them is an investment in the sustainability of sporting achievements and their positive impact on society as a whole.” Al Hajeri stressed that supporting young athletes through education, technology, and skill-building programs ensures the long-term success of the sports sector.

The ACD Ministerial Meeting covered several key areas, including the development of sports infrastructure, identification of emerging talent, and capacity-building programs for coaches and administrators. Participants also discussed how to promote wider community participation in sports and make athletic activities accessible to everyone. The session explored exchanging knowledge about modern sports policies, innovative training techniques, and management practices that enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the sports industry.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that cooperation among Asian countries is essential to building a stronger and more dynamic sports environment. Participants agreed to continue working together to promote innovation, youth engagement, and cultural exchange through sports. The UAE reaffirmed its readiness to contribute to joint initiatives and regional partnerships that advance the goals of the ACD. The country’s active role in the dialogue highlighted its dedication to promoting health, unity, and excellence through sports across Asia and the world.