Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, hailed the role of sport in uniting the world as he inaugurated the World Sports Summit in Dubai on Monday.
According to Emirates News Agency, the two-day event is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. It has gathered over 1,500 sports sector leaders, stars, legends, and representatives from sports organisations worldwide.
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed emphasized that the Summit provides a platform for shaping the future of international sports, discussing opportunities for development, and strengthening international cooperation. He noted the Summit's potential to generate ideas for future legislation to address challenges and improve sports regulation, organisation, performance, funding, talent discovery, artificial intelligence applications, and other growth aspects.
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed stated, 'Through this global sporting gathering, we aim to maximise the benefit of having these prominent figures and sports leaders in Dubai for two days to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and unite the world through sport, which represents the universal language and passion of all peoples, and to shape the future of sport.'
The Summit began with an address by Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, who highlighted Dubai as the ideal place for dialogue and partnerships in the sports sector, due to its forward-looking vision based on a comprehensive development outlook.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino participated in a keynote session, stressing the importance of supporting talent and infrastructure to enhance football's competitiveness and popularity, while former tennis player Novak Djokovic emphasized the importance of supporting young talents.
The opening day also featured H.H. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Manny Pacquiao, and Nasser Al Khelaifi, sharing insights on leadership, sports challenges, and success stories. Sessions with tennis champions Ons Jabeur and Paula Badosa, Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, and Oleksandr Usyk discussed various sports themes.
The second day will feature sessions with MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and former football stars Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero. Discussions will cover combat sports, sports management, and the fashion industry's evolution due to sports.
A special session will highlight sports investment opportunities with successful investors like Amanda Staveley and Mary Owen. The Summit will conclude with a gathering of World Cup-winning players and coaches, moderated by Italian Alessandro Del Piero.