Second edition of Emirates Community Sports Forum highlights role of sports in fostering social cohesion and promoting overall well-being

United Arab Emirates – 17 April 2025

His Excellency Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports, inaugurated the second edition of the ‘Emirates Community Sports Forum,’ held under the theme ‘Sports is a Lifestyle,’ on April 16, 2025. Organised by the UAE Sports for All Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai, the forum underscored the vital role of sports in fostering social cohesion and enhancing community well-being. It aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’ under the slogan ‘Hand in Hand’.

The forum featured numerous prominent national and international stakeholders, including H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the Ministry of Sports; Dr. Emad Al-Banani, Chairman of the Arab and Egyptian Federations for Sports for All and Vice President of the International Sport for All Federation; H.E. Salem Al Qaseer, President of the UAE Sports for All Federation; and H.E. Saeed Al Ajil, Vice President of the UAE Sports for All Federation. Strategic partners from the Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police, and the Emirates Council for Balanced Development were also present, alongside prominent local figures and representatives from various sports organisations, including sports councils and presidents of several national sports federations.

The forum welcomed sports experts and specialists from 11 participating Arab countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the State of Qatar, the Sultanate of Oman, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Syrian Arab Republic, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Mauritania. Moreover, a group of young and emerging researchers from all participating countries also attended the forum.

In his opening address, H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri highlighted that the declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’ reinforces the UAE’s broader commitment to sustainable development through collective and individual well-being. H.E. emphasised the central role of community sports in building stronger, healthier, and more cohesive societies, promoting the values of prevention, health, and well-being, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

His Excellency stated: “Despite being a relatively young country, the UAE has made remarkable progress in fostering a thriving community sports culture through advanced infrastructure and remarkable initiatives. Among the numerous achievements are expanding cycling paths in Abu Dhabi, with investments surpassing USD 1.35 billion, and Dubai recording the world’s longest continuous cycling path. The country aims to extend these paths to over 1,000 kilometres by 2030. Furthermore, the UAE has also witnessed a rapid increase in the number of padel courts, from just two in 2019 to more than 950 in 2024. This has positioned the country as the host of 30 per cent of the region’s padel tournaments and strengthened the UAE’s reputation as a hub for major international sporting events. In addition to reflecting progress, these milestones showcase the UAE’s unwavering commitment to embedding sports into everyday life.”

H.E. emphasised that the UAE’s achievements and progress in the sports sector are a foundational pillar of the National Sports Strategy 2031, which sets an ambitious goal of increasing the percentage of sports practitioners to 75 percent of the UAE population. H.E. also highlighted the critical role of dynamic partnerships and a motivating sports environment in achieving this vision, noting that the forum serves as a vital platform to reinforce these efforts, particularly in collaboration with key partners such as the UAE Sports for All Federation.

The Emirates Community Sports Forum aims to become a premier regional platform that fosters community sports as a transformative force for sustainable development and public health. Its mission is to drive inclusive social engagement by raising awareness about the value of integrating sports in everyday life, while strengthening collaboration between sports institutions and community organisations in the UAE and the Arab World. The goal is to cultivate an active and healthy lifestyle for all.

The second day of the forum featured a series of dynamic panel discussions. One of the highlights was a session titled ‘Gulf Policies and Strategies Supporting Community Sports,’ moderated by Mishaal Al-Qahtani, a media personality. This session included H.E. Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, CEO of the Saudi Sports for All Federation; Saud bin Badr Ambusaidi, Deputy Director General for Sports Activities at Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth; and Dr. Osama Al-Lala, a specialist in physical activity and quality of life. The discussion explored the future of community sports and opportunities, examining ways to enhance its presence in national policies and plans across Gulf countries. It also showcased successful experiences utilising technology and innovation to promote widespread sports participation throughout the Gulf region.

The second session, titled – The Arab Experience in Community Sports – was moderated by Mohammed Al-Ahmad, a media professional, and featured speakers such as Dr. Wael Bin Al-Nafea Al-Daab from the University of Kalba in the UAE and Dr. Reem Al-Malki from Beni Suef University in Egypt. The session examined the current state of community sports in several Arab countries, addressing challenges related to infrastructure, community awareness, and supportive policies. The session further showcased successful initiatives that contributed to establishing sports as a lifestyle.

The panel sessions concluded with several key recommendations. One of these recommendations was to strengthen Arab cooperation through multisectoral partnerships among governments, private sector entities, and civil society. Another recommendation was to enhance the exchange of experiences for developing community-driven, inclusive sports programs. They also emphasized the need for specific mechanisms to promote collective participation in sports according to the best international practices and to implement sustainable strategies that foster widespread sports engagement across all segments of Arab society.

The forum also included a ceremony honoring speakers, sponsors, and organisations involved in the accompanying Sports exhibition, which showcased innovative technological solutions and progressive initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable community sports.

In its second edition, the Emirates Community Sports Forum stands as a national flagship initiative aligned with the goals of the ‘Year of Community 2025’. Its vision is to create a transformative shift in community sports in the near future, nurturing a health-conscious, innovative generation capable of excellence across various vital sectors in the Arab world. Moreover, the forum reflects the effective and sustainable impact of sports in enhancing the UAE’s soft power and positive reputation, while consolidating its regional and global leadership across various domains.