Dubai believes in the role of sport in creating a better future for the world

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, affirmed that Dubai believes in the positive role of sport in creating a better future for the world, and supports all global sporting visions, initiatives and efforts aimed at enhancing the influential and effective contribution of sport to the global development process, whether at the level of individuals or societies.

His Highness said: “Dubai welcomes the guests and participants in the (World Sports Summit) from the elite of international sports leaders, heads of federations and sports organizations, club owners and presidents, investors, decision-makers and stars of various sports who will meet over the course of two days to discuss the reality and future of global sports and enhance its role in developing societies and empowering their individuals.”

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum added: “This first-of-its-kind sports summit is launched from the UAE to the world to bring together elite sports leaders, specialists and those with successful leadership and professional experiences in all areas of sports work from various countries of the world in an annual meeting held in Dubai. It represents a global platform for dialogue and discussing ways to develop sports and shape the features of its future through effective strategic initiatives, legislation and agreements.”

His Highness concluded: “Through this summit, we aim to unify efforts and lay the foundations to enhance the role of sport in empowering societies, inspiring generations, and attracting and developing talented people, within the framework of our constant keenness to launch initiatives, stimulate efforts, and bring the world together in Dubai to enhance international cooperation in order to create a prosperous future for all.”

The “World Sports Summit” will be held under the guidance and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and organized by the Dubai Sports Council, on December 29 and 30 in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, under the slogan “We unite the world through sports,” with the participation of more than 70 speakers from icons, leaders, stars and legends of international sports, while organizing the summit is in line with the objectives of the Dubai Sports Plan 2033, with regard to supporting the organization of major sporting events on Earth. The emirate is to be one of the most important global destinations in the sports field.

The summit will witness the honoring of the winners of the 13th session of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Sports Award, the largest of its kind in terms of the value of its awards and the multiplicity of its categories, to highlight the achievements of leadership figures, officials and sports champions from the Emirates, Arabs and from various countries of the world, as well as the achievements of Arab and international sports institutions that have achieved great global achievements, sports stars who continue to shine in tournaments and dominate the podiums in them, and others who bid farewell to stadiums and halls but left. They left an immortal mark on the records of international sports, and became a source of inspiration for many generations of talented athletes in various countries of the world.

Participants, speakers and guests of the World Sports Summit continue to arrive, led by the President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, and the stars of various sports, while the guests have begun to participate in the entertainment and sporting events approved by the organizing committee, which include various sporting competitions such as padel, which is practiced by most players and stars from various sports, in addition to a group of diverse sporting and family entertainment events.

The organizing committee of the summit approved today’s activities as a preparatory day for the summit, as it will be an opportunity for guests to meet among themselves, as well as to learn more about the various world-class sports and tourism facilities in Dubai, before the start of the official activities of the summit, which will continue tomorrow and the day after. The event’s organizing committee also prepared a program for the stars who decided to celebrate the New Year in Dubai with their families and friends.

Today’s agenda includes dialogue sessions and inspiring speeches with the participation of a number of sports leaders and stars. The beginning will be with a speech by the Dubai Sports Council, delivered by the Vice President of the Council, Khalfan Juma Belhoul, followed by a speech by the International Federation of Association Football, delivered by Gianni Infantino, entitled “The Next 90 Minutes.”

Topping the list of prominent sports figures participating in the summit are: Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Serbian international tennis star Novak Djokovic, international star Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tunisian tennis champions Ons Jabeur and Spanish Paula Badosa, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, former Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch, and Filipino world boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. And former boxer Oleksandr Usyk, Brazilian and world football legend Ronaldo Nazario, two-time World Cup winner, Italian football legend Paolo Maldini, and many other most important international sports icons.

Hamdan bin Mohammed:

. The World Sports Summit launches from the Emirates to the world… and will bring together in Dubai the elite of those involved in the sector to discuss the reality and future of global sports.

. Through the summit, we aim to unify efforts and lay the foundations to enhance the role of sports in empowering societies, inspiring generations, and supporting talent from Dubai.

. 70 speakers from international sports stars and legends participate in the summit activities in Dubai on Monday and Tuesday.

. Honoring the winners of the 13th session of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Sports Award during the summit.