Sports Coordination Council examines National Sports Strategy 2031 and discusses cooperation plan for sports institutions

The Sports Coordination Council reviewed the most recent advancements in the UAE's sports industry, during its first meeting of the year 2023, which was chaired by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Education, Chairman of the General Authority of Sports, President of the Sports Coordination Council. The council scrutinised the latest updates, particularly the National Sports Strategy 2031 and a robust working mechanism was established to foster coordination and cooperation between institutions in the sports sector in order to carry out the projects and initiatives of the strategy, improve national sports and boost Olympic and international sporting accomplishments for the UAE in the foreseeable future.

The meeting was held in the presence of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice-President of the National Olympic Committee, H.E. Saeed Abdul Ghaffar, Secretary-General of the General Authority of Sports, and H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports, as well as representatives of federal and local members.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr Ahmad Belhoul AL Falasi emphasised the significance of the UAE Cabinet's decision to adopt the National Sports Strategy 2031, which was chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

“The strategy implies a fundamental shift for UAE sports in the future. Under the direction of wise leadership, it reflects an ambitious vision for the future of the national sport to build the nation's goodwill globally in a variety of regional and international forums and prepare the next generation to make global contributions,” H.E. AL Falasi said.  

“The National Sports Strategy 2031 is the UAE's first complete national sports policy. Over the next ten years, it will serve as a hub for all sports-related activities and revolutionary undertakings. The strategy focuses on every facet of the nation's sports industry, including the rise in physical activity among the 71per cent of the population, the identification of fresh talent, and the establishment of the UAE Elite and High-Level Committee to advance the abilities of sports professionals. Furthermore, it aims to update the approach to teaching sports in schools, establish a plan to change sports federations and pass a new sports law,” H.E. added.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice-President of the National Olympic Committee, said: “With regard to the Olympic and sports movements, as well as to professional athletes and amateur sports, the National Sports Strategy 2031 defines a new advanced stage. We reaffirm our support for all initiatives designed to create a promising future for sports in the UAE, and we call on everyone to work together to achieve the intended outcomes in enhancing the UAE sports industry. The Olympic Committee aims to raise the technical and administrative standards of sports federations in order to attain Olympic and international participation that improves UAE sport's competitiveness and global presence.”

The UAE Elite and High-Level Committee gave a presentation at the meeting on the UAE's participation strategy for the Paris 2024 Olympics, which is currently hosting qualifying rounds for most sports. The committee seeks to boost Emirati athletes' possibilities for future success and expand the number of qualifiers for the Olympics in Paris in 2024. This helps the UAE to solidify its position on the world sports stage.

Additionally, the meeting covered the School Games Championship and its significance in creating a talent-stimulating and developing sports environment to motivate students to exercise, allowing them to develop and refine their skills and discover their sporting potential, in line with our wise leadership directives, which aims at providing the best ways to upgrade the sports sector to new levels, in accordance with an integrated and long-term strategy.

School Games Championship aims to influence young students to participate in competitive sports, improve their athletic performance and develop their skills. In order to enhance their skills and expertise and qualify to represent the UAE internationally in the future, the relevant sports authorities will keep track of the school tournament champions.

The Sports Coordination Council, chaired by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, includes sports councils, a number of ministries and representatives of executive councils. In order to improve the UAE's position in regional and international sports, the Council seeks to achieve strategic integration and ongoing cooperation among all entities in the sports sector.