The Dubai Sports Council has announced the organization of the Dubai Sports Retreat on November 12, 2024, at the Museum of the Future under the theme “Dubai: The Leading Sports Destination.” This initiative, directed by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, aims to shape the future of sports in Dubai for the period 2025–2033 and ensure the sector’s comprehensive development.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Council’s headquarters, where H.E. Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, addressed the media alongside H.E. Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Council, and representatives of media outlets.
At the outset, gratitude was extended to the UAE’s wise leadership for its unwavering support of sports. Thanks were also conveyed to the former Dubai Sports Council Board and all who have dedicated their efforts to serving the nation and advancing the sports sector.
The press conference revealed that several ministers, officials, and global sports stars would participate in the retreat. Speakers will include H.E. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; H.E. Hessa Buhumaid, Director General of Dubai Community Development Authority; and H.E. Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, owner of Dubai Basketball Team. Renowned sports figures such as MMA champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, former Manchester United and France star Patrice Evra, Lebanese basketball legend Fadi El Khatib, Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza, and Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian cricket team captain and two-time World Cup winner, will also contribute to the discussions.
H.E. Khalfan Belhoul stated:
“Dubai has established itself as a prominent name on the global sports map, and we aim to build on this success. By engaging with all stakeholders, including athletes, community members through surveys, and decision-makers in sports and related fields, we will define the future of the sports sector. The retreat will translate its theme into reality, positioning Dubai as the leading sports destination.”
He added that the Council follows the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who believes that “success is a journey, and with every peak reached, we look toward the next.” Accordingly, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor directed the Council to organize this retreat, involving experts and decision-makers from the UAE and around the world to evaluate the current state of the sports sector and discuss strategies for its future growth.
The retreat will feature discussions across six key topics:
- Community Sports
- Sports Infrastructure
- Hosting Major Sports Events
- Sports Clubs
- Football
- Talent Development
The Council emphasized its commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position on the local, regional, and global sports stage by collaborating with government entities, private sector partners, international federations, and global organizers. The outcomes of the retreat and survey will be analyzed and implemented through short- and long-term plans.
Sports Survey
During the press conference, the Council highlighted the positive response from the sports sector and the wider community to H.H. Sheikh Mansoor’s invitation to participate in the Dubai Sports Survey. This initiative seeks input from individuals across various nationalities and professions to assess the current state of Dubai’s sports sector. The survey results, along with public suggestions, will be discussed during the retreat to guide the future direction of sports in Dubai while preserving and building on the sector’s many achievements.
