Dubai: – The General Authority of Sports (GAS) announced the beginning of a new phase for sports in the UAE with a sector-wide system that brings strategic partners and stakeholders together to collaborate and promote the UAE’s standing on the global competitive sports map.

The announcement was made as the Sports Coordination Council held its first meeting at the GAS headquarters, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Chairman of the General Authority of Sports, and with local and federal stakeholders present.

Attendees included high-ranking representatives from various federal and local entities, namely, the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Culture and Youth, Ministry of Education, the General Authority of Sports, the National Olympic Committee, the Emiri Court of Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council, Ajman Executive Council, Umm Al-Quwain Executive Council, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Dubai Sports Council, and Sharjah Sports Council.

“Today marks a new beginning for sports in the UAE; our vision for the upcoming stage revolves around three strategic pillars: Governance, Partnership, and Accomplishments,” H.E. Al Falasi said. “The new system is the culmination of months of collaboration and coordination between partners, experts, and stakeholders from across the sector. It reflects the Authority’s vision for the future of sports in the UAE, which, in turn, is in line with the leadership’s directives for the sector and its aspirations to enhance the UAE’s global standing in world competitions.”

H.E. went on to elaborate on the three strategic pillars, noting that “Governance is crucial given the sector’s need for a robust legislative, organisational, administrative, and coordination infrastructure in order to grow. Governance is therefore the cornerstone of the sports system we aspire to build, which not only meets our ambitions, but also aligns with the UAE’s strategic direction for the next 50 years. The system will undoubtedly focus on human resources as well, empowering experts and young talents to play their part, while also engaging women in decision-making in the sports sector.”

“Meanwhile, we look at Partnership as the tactic of choice to run the sector’s operations, bringing all relevant stakeholders on the same page and working towards a common goal. The Sports Coordination Council will work to assign clear roles and responsibilities in a joint plan of action,” H.E. Al Falasi continued. “As for the Accomplishment part of the system, the focus will be on ‘Priority Sports’, such as shooting and athletics, where we will develop an integrated system for scouting talents, nurturing them, and coaching them for global competitions.”

UAE Olympic Participation: Lessons Learned

The most prominent items on the meeting’s agenda included a discussion around the study conducted by the General Authority of Sports to objectively assess the UAE’s participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, draw lessons, identify key challenges, and pinpoint areas to focus on moving forward.

The study consisted of an opinion poll canvassing a wide and diverse sample of stakeholders in the national sports sector. It focused on a set of key performance indicators to evaluate the UAE’s participation in the Olympic Games and draw takeaways and recommendations. The report determined the ‘Priority Sports’ to focus on in the period ahead – namely, shooting and athletics – in addition to outlining a pragmatic plan based on the analysis and assessment of the UAE Olympic participation.

Partners in Moulding the Champions of the Future

The meeting discussed the roles assigned to each party within the Sports Coordination Council to ensure their role in moulding the champions of the future, from supporting talent scouting efforts to developing a common talent database, and compiling a list of medical facilities capable of handling sports injuries. The plan aims to promote the UAE as a global destination for sports medicine, in addition to advocating for an active, healthy lifestyle among members of the community.

The joint efforts proposed for the upcoming stage will focus on enhancing the UAE’s regional and global presence in the sports sector, and aligning local strategies with the overarching national strategic directions of the sector.

Coordination Committee: A Clear Tactic for Multiplying Accomplishments

The meeting also included an announcement that a Coordination Committee will be formed to track progress and accomplishments and report to the Council. The Committee will be headed by H.E. Saeed Abdul Ghaffar, Secretary-General of the General Authority for Sports, and will include representatives from all members in the Sports Coordination Council. The Committee will follow-up on decisions made by the Council, tracking and reporting their implementation on the ground, in addition to setting recommendations to help the Council to carry out its role.

The Sports Coordination Council was approved by the UAE Council of Ministers and entrusted with coordinating between the various institutions and councils with stake in the national sports sector. Member entities work to integrate their strategies, develop a common vision, and collaborate to implement joint nation-wide initiatives that promote the UAE’s standing in the sports world.

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About the General Authority of Sports

The General Authority of Sports was established to help create an environment that enables athletes to develop their physical capabilities, promote the competitive and recreational sides of sports, and enhance the performance and results of national teams. The Authority aims to outline the general policy for the sports sector in the UAE, developing plans and programmes to achieve goals, as well as to support and coordinate with other relevant entities. Moreover, the Authority is entrusted with empowering athletes to win championships and make notable achievements, in addition to promoting a sports culture in the community.