UAE Sports for All Federation and Ministry of Sports launch second Emirates Community Sports Forum on April 14 with wide Arab participation

Saeed Al Ajil: At the UAE Sports for All Federation, we continuously work alongside the Ministry of Sports and strategic partners to support initiatives that promote a culture of physical activity as a sustainable lifestyle.

Haitham Al Zarouni: Hosting the forum during the 'Year of Community' reflects the vision of our wise leadership, which places sports among its top priorities for its vital role in building a healthy, active, and cohesive society.

• Over the course of 3 days, the forum will witness a number of events and dialogue and discussion sessions that review Gulf and Arab policies and strategies to support community sports.
• Participation of a group of local and international experts in the forum to review the latest practices and trends in the fields of community sports.
• Forum sheds light on the future of community sports and its role in promoting regional connectedness and developing communities.
• Organizing a sports exhibition on the sidelines of the forum with the participation of leading government institutions to showcase their experiences and technologies in supporting community sports.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 9, 2025: The UAE Sports for All Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, announced the launch of the second edition of the Emirates Community Sports Forum during a press conference held today at the Ministry's headquarters in Dubai. Taking place from April 14 to 17, the forum will be held under the theme "Sports is a Lifestyle" and aligns with the broader initiatives of the ‘Year of Community 2025.’

The forum will host a distinguished array of local and international experts and feature a series of panel discussions and interactive dialogue sessions. These sessions will delve into the latest scientific and research advancements in the field of community sports, while also addressing future opportunities and highlighting the need to enhance regional cooperation in this sector.

Saeed Al Ajil, Vice President of the UAE Sports for All Federation, said: “The second edition of the Emirates Community Sports Forum highlights the vital role our Federation plays in championing initiatives that encourage consistent physical activity. It also serves as a platform to explore and discuss future strategies for advancing community sports. Through these efforts, we aim to foster stronger unity across both Emirati and Gulf communities, in alignment with the vision and aspirations of our wise leadership.”

Ajil further noted: “The UAE Sports for All Federation remains committed to supporting national efforts that encourage physical activity as a sustainable lifestyle choice, working closely with the Ministry of Sports and various strategic partners. This forum acts as a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing, showcasing successful experiences from across the Gulf and Arab regions. It also tackles the main challenges and prospects for increasing public engagement in sports, highlighting its significance as a catalyst for advancing sustainable development objectives."

Haitham Al Zarouni, Director of Community Sports at the Ministry of Sports, stated: “The second edition of the Emirates Community Sports Forum embodies our firm belief that community sports go beyond recreation or competition and that they represent a way of life and play a vital role in building a healthy, dynamic, and cohesive society. This year’s forum carries added importance as it coincides with the declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’ by our wise leadership, reflecting their commitment to empowering individuals and elevating the overall quality of life in our communities.”

Zarouni added: “With this forum, our aim is to cultivate a strong sports culture and spotlight the importance of physical activity for people from all walks of life. We are committed to ensuring that accessible and well-equipped sports facilities are available to everyone, reinforcing the inclusive principle of ‘sports for all’.”

Over the course of three days, the forum will focus on a range of important themes, such as highlighting successful community sports models from the Gulf and Arab regions, examining the influence of sports initiatives on public health, and exploring strategies to enhance the involvement of both the public and private sectors in advancing community sports. Discussions will also address the contribution of community sports to social and economic progress, along with exploring mechanisms to enhance regional collaboration in encouraging greater sports participation across Arab communities.

Alongside the forum, a community sports exhibition will be held, featuring prominent government organisations in the UAE dedicated to various sports initiatives. The exhibition will showcase their significant contributions, underscoring the vital role community sports play in maintaining health and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Additionally, it will highlight the latest technologies and innovations aimed at ensuring the sustainability of community sports.