General Authority for Sports discusses security and safety standards in sports facilities with the Interior Ministry

22/4/19

Said Abdul Ghaffar Hussain, Secretary General of the GAS, said that the meeting comes within a series of procedures and meetings that came in compliance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and his directives on the implementation of security and safety standards in sports facilities in order to maintain the security and safety of our sons in sports stadiums.
The Secretary General thanked the Ministry of Interior for its speedy response and cooperation with GAS in visiting the facilities and assessing the security and safety standards therein and actively contributes to the preparation of the required reports, which reflects its concern for the safety of athletes and all visitors to sports facilities in the country.

He also praised the role of the police in various sports stadiums and events held in the UAE and in its various facilities.

He pointed out that most of the sports facilities in the country are qualified with the highest levels of security and safety, unlike some small playgrounds or warm-up pitches that need to be reconsidered to meet the safety standards.
Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports and Secretary General of the UAE Sports Federation for School and University Education Institutions, visited the headquarters of the UAE Paralympic Committee in Sharjah. Several key issues - including finding different ways the two bodies can work in synergy in the future, strategies to increase the athletic and physical levels of students of determination at all stages and the progress and implementation of strategic plans for the next stage - were discussed during his visit.Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports and Secretary General of the UAE Sports Federation for School and University Education Institutions, visited the headquarters of the UAE Paralympic Committee in Sharjah. Several key issues - including finding different ways the two bodies can work in synergy in the future, strategies to increase the athletic and physical levels of students of determination at all stages and the progress and implementation of strategic plans for the next stage - were discussed during his visit. Abdul Ghaffar added that GAS is working on setting conditions and standards that must be applied in sports facilities, according to firm guidance that will be circulated to sports facilities in the country, directing everyone not to issue reports only, but the formation of joint task forces working through an integrated system of permanent, in order to maintain the level of UAE facilities in accordance with the highest international standards and contemporary developments in the aspects of security and safety of sports facilities.

From his side, Brigadier General Rashid Suhail Al Ali, Acting Director of Special Tasks Sector, thanked the law enforcement follow-up committee for its efforts and evaluation of all sports facilities near and far, pointing out that all facilities have been accessed in order to speed the completion of reports in a record time, allowing the competent authorities to work on a mechanism that contributes to raising and enhancing the efficiency of these facilities..

He praised the role and cooperation of the GAS, Police, Civil Defense and municipalities in all regions of the country.
He stressed the need to define responsibilities and apply the law that intensifies the punishment for those who commit violations in sports facilities, in order to set things right and deal with such data according to a sound mechanism.
Al Maktoum met with Mohammed Fadel Al Hameli, president of the UAE Paralympic Committee, and Dhiban Salem Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the Committee, during the visit. The meeting was also attended by Safa Taryam, Executive Director of the UAE Elite and High-Level Sports Committee, along with Abdul Aziz Al-Hussan Al-Shamsi, Head of the Studies and Research Department at the Authority.

The meeting concluded by assigning a joint task force between both parties to follow up the results of the reports and identify opportunities for improvement and make the necessary proposals on their development and improvement.

Al Maktoum said: “Our wise leadership gives great importance to people of determination and their participation in sports and provides unlimited support for talents. All Emirati athletes are proud of the achievements accomplished by people of determination, regionally and globally, displaying their dedication and love for sports. Therefore, the authority considers it a priority to provide them, the best care and empower them socially and athletically.”

He added: “The Federation pays great attention to people of determination as they represent an essential part of society in the UAE. We look forward to empowering a new generation of talented athletes who are capable of enhancing our international presence in various sports forums, in cooperation with our strategic partners - including the Paralympic Committee.”

Al Hameli expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Suahil bin Butti for his visit, stating that GAS’s efforts in the sports field is reflected in their support of people of determination and their participation in sports, and is in line with GAS’s plans to promote the discovery of new talents and develop sports at various levels.

He said: “GAS is playing a leading and influential role in providing the right environment to enhance the capabilities of athletes, improve their skills, and develop plans and programs that will achieve the set goals."

The visit included a review of projects that can be implemented in cooperation between the Federation and the Committee to ensure the acceleration of the discovery of sports talents among the people of determination as well as the development of the necessary plans to support the talented and help them reach international competitions.

The Board of Directors of the UAE Sports Federation for School and University Education Institutions held its first meeting last May to discuss several ways to discover and develop sports talents, emphasizing the importance of providing great care to people of determination and including them in the new Federation’s various projects.

Said Abdul Ghaffar Hussain, Secretary General of the General Authority for Sports (GAS), chaired the special meeting on security and safety standards in sports facilities, in the presence of Brigadier General Rashid Suhail Al Ali, Acting Director of Special Tasks Sector, and a number of senior officers in police institutions, in addition to Ahmed Al Abdouli, Director of the Sports Facilities Office, Legal Advisor Bader Al Hammadi, Technical Advisor Nasser Gharib, Expert Advisor Dr. Mohammed Fadlallah, Abdulaziz Al Hisan, Abdullah Mohyah, Dr. Shaheen Al Mazmi and Khalid Al Kaabi from GAS, this morning at the GAS's headquarters in Dubai.