Second edition of UAE Community Sports Forum launches in Dubai under ‘Sport as a Lifestyle’ theme with local participation and sports delegates from 11 Arab countries

• UAE Community Sports Forum seeks to foster a sports culture as well as strengthen the significance of physical activity as a lifestyle across Arab societies.
• During the first day of the forum, participating delegates emphasised several innovative and successful initiatives and inspiring experiences in the field of community sports.
• To delve into the positive impact of sports initiatives on community health, a discussion session was held, featuring distinguished speakers from the Ministry of Interior (MOI), Dubai Police, and the Emirates Council for Balanced Development.
• The forum’s second day witnessed the opening of the main sessions and the accompanying sports exhibition, discussing the scope of community sports, its role in development, and strategies for the sustainability of sports practices.

Dubai, UAE - Tuesday, April 15, 2025

The second edition of the UAE Community Sports Forum commenced on April 15, 2025, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Sports in Dubai, aimed at promoting sports culture in Arab societies. Organized by the UAE Sports for All Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, and under the theme ‘Sports as a Lifestyle,’ the forum seeks to emphasize the importance of physical activity as a lifestyle.

As part of ‘The Year of Community 2025’ initiatives, the forum witnessed the participation of several key figures, including H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the Ministry of Sports; Dr. Emad El Banani, President of the Arab and Egyptian Federations of Sports for All and Vice President of the International Sports for All Federation; and H.E. Saeed Al Ajal, Vice President of the UAE Sports for All Federation. Furthermore, delegates, sports specialists, and experts from 11 Arab and Gulf countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Mauritania, also attended the event.

The first day of the forum saw delegates highlighting successful experiences and initiatives in community sports, emphasizing its role in enhancing quality of life and fostering social cohesion. Discussions also focused on strategies to build and strengthen partnerships among the government, private sector, and civil society to cultivate a holistic and sustainable community sports ecosystem.

Another pivotal discussion session on the first day featured speakers such as Ms. Lamia Hamdan Hamad Alzaabi, Head of the Anti-Narcotics Department in the General Directorate of Federal Drug Control at the UAE’s Ministry of Interior (MOI); Dr. Maryam Anas Al Matrooshi, Head of the Athletes Council at Dubai Police; and Mr. Abdulla Yousuf Albalushi, Social Programs Specialist at the Emirates Council for Balanced Development. Together, they explored the significant impact of sports initiatives on community health.

Day two of the forum will open with a series of main sessions that include specialised discussions on ways to activate community sports in Arab cities and societies, as well as exploring its potential as a catalyst for social and economic development. These sessions will also help shape the strategic direction for the future of community sports in the Arab region. An accompanying exhibition will showcase contributions from government entities and sports institutions in the UAE and beyond, highlighting the latest technologies and initiatives related to community sports activities and innovative models for using technology to support the sustainability of community sports practices.

During the second day of the forum, several key figures from strategic partners will participate, including representatives from the UAE National Olympic Committee, sports councils, sports federation presidents, and participating countries’ sports bodies. The event will also feature young researchers from all the participating nations.