Emirati sports…an investment in humanity and a bet on the future

Dubai, July 20 / WAM / The UAE continues to consolidate its position as a global model for investing in people through sports, through an integrated system that combines infrastructure development, expanding the base of practice, and nurturing talent, reflecting a long-term strategic vision that deals with sports as a tool for comprehensive development and creating the future.

Recent years have witnessed a remarkable expansion in “Sports for All” programs and community activities, through specific initiatives targeting various segments of society, from children and youth to senior citizens and people of determination, within the framework of promoting healthy lifestyles and establishing the culture of practicing sports as a daily lifestyle.

This trend comes with the continuous support of the wise leadership, which has given great attention to the sports sector, by investing in establishing world-class sports facilities, which include integrated complexes, modern halls, and multi-use stadiums, which has provided an ideal environment for discovering and honing talent, in addition to enhancing the country’s ability to host major regional and international tournaments.

In the context of consolidating sports culture, National Sports Day was designated as an annual occasion to celebrate the sector’s achievements and enhance community participation, in cooperation between sports bodies and educational institutions, reflecting the complementarity of roles in supporting the sports movement.

The activities related to this trend also witnessed the announcement of the first official edition of the School Games Championship, one of the initiatives of the National Sports Strategy 2031, in addition to the unveiling of its new logo, which enhances the role of school sports in discovering talent.

The country has been keen to launch specific initiatives to motivate athletes and honor those who achieve, through integrated support and sponsorship programs, and prestigious awards that contribute to establishing a culture of excellence, as bodies such as the Ministry of Sports, the National Olympic Committee, and the sports councils in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah play a pivotal role in supporting federations and clubs and developing various games.

In parallel, sports institutions continue their efforts to spread the games and expand the base of practice, by organizing local tournaments and developing talent discovery programs in schools and clubs, which has contributed to raising the level of competitiveness and enhancing the presence of Emirati sports in international forums.

Sports councils play a pivotal role in organizing and developing sports work at the level of each emirate, by enhancing planning and coordination between various parties, ensuring the adoption of flexible administrative models that suit the needs of each emirate and the nature of its activity, and achieve the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness.

These efforts are directly reflected in the quality of life of the individual and society, as sport contributes to enhancing physical and psychological health, consolidating the values ​​of discipline and teamwork, and reducing diseases associated with lack of movement, which supports building a more active and productive society.

On the economic level, sports have become one of the vital sectors that support growth, in light of the growing size of the sports economy globally, and the increasing investments in infrastructure, broadcast rights, and sports marketing. The UAE is keeping pace with these transformations through increasing investments, whether through hosting major events or developing sports-related industries, such as sports tourism, event management and modern technologies, which enhances the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product and provides new opportunities for growth.

His Excellency Engineer Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Asian and Emirati Fencing Federations and a member of the Executive Office of the International Federation, confirmed that the rapid development witnessed by sports in the UAE reflects a solid strategic vision that puts people at the heart of priorities, and deals with sport as one of the most important tools for building society and enhancing the quality of life.

He explained that the state has succeeded in establishing an integrated sports system based on spreading the culture of practicing sports, developing infrastructure, and supporting federations and clubs, which contributed to expanding the base of participants and discovering talent in various games, including fencing, which has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years at the level of base and achievement.

He pointed out that investment in sports is no longer limited to achieving championships, but rather is directed towards building healthier and more aware generations, and enhancing the values ​​of discipline, commitment and teamwork, which reflects positively on society as a whole, and keeps pace with the country’s trends towards sustainable development.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Saad Al Sharif, Vice President of the International Federation of Sports for All, stressed that sport in the UAE has transcended its traditional concept as a recreational or competitive activity, turning in recent years into an integrated system and an effective tool for development, serving the individual and society, and reflecting a clear and ambitious national vision.

He explained that sports have become an essential part of the daily lifestyle of a wide segment of the population, pointing to the results of the sports activity survey in Abu Dhabi, which showed an increase in the percentage of those practicing physical activity in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization to 53%, compared to 36% in the first survey, which reflects the positive impact of sports policies on public health.

He pointed out that the UAE has provided a distinguished model in using sports as a tool to enhance community cohesion and common identity, pointing out that during the year 2024, Abu Dhabi hosted more than 145 sports and community events with the participation of residents from 122 nationalities, which embodies the role of sports as a comprehensive language that transcends cultural and social differences.

In turn, Counselor Ahmed Al Kamali, General Coordinator of the Dubai Marathon, pointed out that sport in the UAE has become an essential pillar in supporting the national economy, after its role went beyond the competitive framework to transform into a vital sector that contributes to diversifying sources of income and enhancing economic sustainability.

He explained that organizing and hosting major sporting events, most notably the Dubai Marathon, represents a successful model of the direct and indirect returns that sport can achieve, including revitalizing the tourism, hospitality and transportation sectors, increasing hotel occupancy rates, in addition to enhancing event-related spending.

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