Dubai: The Sports Coordination Council convened its second meeting of 2025 at the Ministry of Sports headquarters in Dubai. Presided over by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, the meeting was attended by senior sports officials and representatives from federal and local government entities that are part of the Council.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr Al Falasi emphasized the Council’s pivotal role as a strategic platform for enhancing integration among sports entities in the UAE. The Council is tasked with tracking the implementation of national directives aimed at developing the sports sector, aligning with the vision for the next phase of development. Dr Al Falasi remarked on the Council’s objective to support national federations and enhance the readiness of national teams, aiming for achievements that highlight the UAE’s capabilities in various sports arenas.
The Council discussed several initiatives, including strategic plans for talent discovery and embedding a culture of sports through School Games, University Games, and the Talent Committee Platform. These initiatives, developed with educational and sports partners, aim to enhance sports participation and identify a new generation of athletes capable of reaching new excellence levels.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council presented its 2025 agenda, featuring 172 sports events spanning various disciplines and age groups, reflecting its commitment to promoting community sports and fostering a lifestyle of sports. The Council also outlined preparations for the Masters Games 2026, expected to draw 25,000 participants and encourage physical activity among older age groups.
The Dubai Sports Council shared plans for 2025, including the Labour Sports Tournament and Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30, both of which enjoy significant community participation. The Ministry of Interior highlighted its community sports initiatives, including the Dubai World Challenge for Obstacle Course Racing and the Dubai Police Esports Championship.
The Ministry of Sports reviewed the UAE School Games’ final preparations, which will include Obstacle Course Racing alongside 12 other sports, expanding participation to students aged 9 to 19 years. Registration opens on October 13, with finals slated for May. The University Games will also feature Obstacle Course Racing, expecting participation from around 2,700 students across 47 universities.
The UAE Committee for Talent and Sports Support presented the achievements of its Talent Committee Platform, a digital platform for identifying talented athletes. To date, 1,169 athletes have profiles, with 126 invited to an assessment camp. The Ministry also introduced the ‘National Sports Talent Schools’ initiative, transforming government school complexes into sports centers to promote sports as a core pillar of student well-being.
Finally, the UAE National Olympic Committee outlined plans to host headquarters for 23 national sports federations and several Asian and Arab federations. The NOC will provide free logistical support, underscoring its commitment to enhancing institutional coordination and performance across the UAE sports ecosystem.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of coordination among all parties to achieve institutional integration, fostering a sustainable sports ecosystem in line with the National Sports Strategy 2031. The Council aims to align strategies and policies, propose solutions, and host major sports events to promote the sector’s sustainable growth.