UAE Ministry of Sports hosts ‘Future of Sports Retreat’ to explore Sports and International Public Diplomacy tools to elevate UAE’s global standing

• The retreat emphasised the efforts to bolster the UAE’s presence in the global sports stage and establish the country as a leading sports hub for hosting regional and international competitions
• It additionally aimed to explore strategies to offer requisite assistance and support to Emiratis who assume leadership roles in international sports organisations as well as increase the UAE’s presence in these institutions to improve the country’s reputation in the world of sports.
• In order to achieve economic gains and raise the GDP contribution of sports, the participants discussed ways to promote investments in hosting major tournaments and facilitate cooperation between local and global sports organisations.

UAE, Tuesday, 22 October 2024

The Ministry of Sports (MoS) organised the ‘Future of Sports Retreat’ today to explore strategies aimed at elevating the governance of the sports ecosystem in the UAE and strengthening the country’s presence on the global sports stage.

The retreat featured a session titled ‘Sports and International Public Diplomacy,’ which emphasised the instrumental role of sports in improving the UAE’s global reputation. The session was led by H.E. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, alongside His Excellency Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri, as a representative of the Ministry of Sports, and a distinguished group of Emirati leaders from continental and international sports organisations, as well as officials from the UAE’s sports sector.

session discussed the significance of organising continental and international championships as it enhances the UAE’s standing on a worldwide scale. Participants emphasised that major sporting events such as the World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games enhance the presence of sports and strengthen the standing of host countries as a leading hub for sports organisations with cutting-edge infrastructure.

The discussions further highlighted the importance of placing UAE nationals in important roles within global sports organisations. The primary goal was to determine how to best assist them in enhancing the UAE’s presence in these global sports institutions. It was emphasised that providing these officials with the necessary assistance is crucial to achieving success, which would contribute to the growth of Emirati sports and forge a stronger place in the world of sports.

H.E. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said: "Hosting sports championships accelerates the realization of the nation’s visions and strategies. It also adds strategic value to the host country and enhances its global image by building a sustainable legacy for future generations."

Her Excellency also emphasized the importance of activating sports diplomacy within the international community and its positive impact on strengthening relations between nations. This can be achieved through joint projects and initiatives that contribute to individual well-being and the development of a healthy, safe, and happy society.

With an emphasis on the social and economic benefits, the participants talked about the numerous advantages of hosting such significant events. They emphasised how these prominent sporting events can boost economic growth by drawing tourists and investments. They further highlighted the need of fostering local interest in sports and community unity. It was also recognised that leveraging these tournaments can enhance the UAE’s standing as a leading international sports destination, especially in light of the intense worldwide competition for hosting important events.

The session also highlighted different experiences and strategies that emphasise the adoption of best international practices. These strategies entail leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve sports facilities, with the goal of benefiting from them for upcoming large-scale athletic events hosted by the UAE. The discussion further highlighted the significance of sports in fostering intercultural dialogue between the UAE and the global community. This is achieved by holding competitions within the UAE, which are essential for developing long-term cultural and diplomatic ties.

The session concluded by providing major recommendations to further improve the UAE’s presence in the global sports events. These recommendations entail offering requisite support to UAE nationals in leadership roles within international sports entities and fostering collaboration between local and international sports organisations. Additionally, there was a strong emphasis on the importance of investing in organising major competitions to achieve tangible economic benefits, aligning with the ambitious national goal of increasing the sport’s GDP contribution to 0.5 per cent by 2031. These recommendations will contribute to making the UAE’s future vision of the sports field a tangible reality, and establishing the position of Emirati sports as a soft power and a civilizational means of communication and international influence.