Ministry of Sports Leads ‘Future of Sports Retreat’ with UAE Ministers, Sector Leaders, and Olympic Athletes to Advance National Sports Strategy 2031
The Ministry of Sports hosted the ‘Future of Sports Retreat’ under the theme ‘A New Vision for a Better Sports Future,’ focusing on shaping the next phase of the National Sports Strategy 2031. The event brought together government officials, sports leaders, and Olympic athletes to discuss strategies for enhancing Emirati sports and promoting active lifestyles across all segments of society.
Held in the presence of prominent figures, including Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee, and His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, the retreat explored ways to maximize the social and economic impact of sports in the UAE. Discussions centered around youth development, fostering professionalism among athletes, and using sports as a tool for public diplomacy to elevate the UAE’s global standing.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Al Falasi highlighted the retreat’s importance, stating, “This retreat offers a platform for the Emirati sports community to come together to plan for the future. It is a key step toward achieving the full potential of our sports sector and contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future for the UAE.”
The retreat honored athletes who represented the UAE at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, recognizing their achievements and role as inspirations for future generations of Emirati athletes. The event also featured brainstorming sessions on key topics such as Youth and Sports, University Sports, and Expanding Olympic Participation.
One of the retreat’s major announcements was the launch of the inaugural University Games, a national competition aimed at discovering and nurturing sports talent across UAE universities. The University Games will feature football, basketball, and volleyball competitions, with participation from 21 universities.
The retreat concluded with key recommendations to advance the National Sports Strategy 2031, which aims to increase sports participation to 75% by 2031, raise the number of Olympic qualifiers to over 30 by the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and boost the sports sector’s contribution to the UAE’s non-oil GDP.
