Moscow, November 10, 2025: The United Arab Emirates participated in the First Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting on Sports, titled “From Traditions to Innovations: The Future of Sports in the ACD Countries,” held in Samara, Russian Federation. The event took place alongside the 13th International Sports Forum, “Russia – Country of Sports.”
The UAE delegation was led by Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Sports. The meeting gathered ministers, senior officials from member nations, and representatives from regional and international sports organisations.
Strengthening Regional Sports Cooperation
The ACD Ministerial Meeting marked a significant step in fostering collaboration among Asian countries to enhance sports development. Member states discussed frameworks for partnerships, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives designed to empower youth and promote sports across the continent.
During his address, Al Hajeri emphasised the UAE’s commitment to advancing international cooperation under the vision of its leadership, particularly in the sports sector. He noted that sports act as a universal language that builds bridges of friendship and understanding among nations.
Innovation and Technology in Sports
Al Hajeri highlighted the transformative role of technology in modern athletics. He stated that the rapid pace of innovation is redefining how nations approach sports training, governance, and performance analysis.
“Investing in modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics has become essential to achieving sporting excellence and nurturing future champions,” he said.
UAE Strategy for Sports Development
The UAE has been implementing a forward-looking national strategy to develop its sports ecosystem. This approach focuses on fostering innovation, supporting talent discovery, and nurturing youth through dedicated programs and initiatives that ensure long-term growth and sustainability.
Al Hajeri added, “Youth are the driving force of the future, and investing in them is an investment in the sustainability of sporting achievements and their positive impact on society as a whole.”
Key Topics Discussed at the ACD Meeting
The Ministerial Meeting covered a range of strategic areas crucial for the development of sports in Asia, including:
- Enhancing cooperation in sports infrastructure development
- Talent identification and youth empowerment
- Capacity building and training programs
- Encouraging wider community participation in sports
- Sharing best practices in sports policy and management innovation
The discussions also focused on leveraging advanced technologies to enhance athletic performance and improve sports governance across member countries.
Looking Ahead
The ACD Ministerial Meeting on Sports is expected to pave the way for stronger multilateral cooperation among Asian nations. By combining traditional values with technological innovation, the initiative aims to shape the future of sports across the region while nurturing the next generation of athletes and leaders.