Mansoor Bin Mohammed Highlights Leadership Support For Dubai's Sports Sector At Club Accelerators Workshop
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, attended the ‘Club Accelerators’ workshop. This event gathered representatives from top sports clubs in Dubai, along with officials and specialists from various sports fields. The Dubai Sports Council organised this day-long event, which also featured international sports stars.
During the workshop, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor praised participants for their contributions to Dubai's sports sector. He acknowledged clubs that achieved tournament successes and those demonstrating technical and administrative excellence throughout the season. Additionally, he recognised clubs that excelled in discovering and nurturing new talent.
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor stated, "Clubs are key partners in building the future of sports in Dubai. We want our clubs to be role models, worthy of being emulated in terms of sporting excellence and economic and societal returns." He emphasised ongoing support for club development and investment in national talent to boost competitiveness.
The workshop included discussions on enhancing cooperation between public and private clubs by incorporating international best practices. Participants explored ways to create an integrated professional environment from youth levels to top-tier clubs.
Notable international athletes attended the workshop, including Michel Salgado from Real Madrid, Bacary Sagna formerly with Arsenal and Manchester City, Rio Ferdinand from Manchester United, Miralem Pjanic who played for Barcelona and FC Juventus, Eric Abidal currently CEO of Al Wasl Football Company, and Guido Fienga, former CEO of Al Nassr Saudi Club.
Khalfan Juma Belhoul highlighted attracting global talent as crucial for strengthening Dubai’s appeal as a hub for sports stars. Many have made Dubai their home and invested locally, enhancing its reputation as a magnet for talent and investment.
Developing Sustainable Clubs
The workshop focused on transforming clubs into sustainable community centres contributing to Dubai’s future vision for sports while improving community life quality. Discussions covered bridging organisational gaps and developing systems ensuring club sustainability and growth.
Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, was present alongside Khalfan Juma Belhoul. They addressed initiatives supporting government clubs' professional transformation to enhance competitiveness and attract investment while developing national talent.
Future Vision for Clubs
The event is part of efforts by the Dubai Sports Council to improve governance within clubs through a flexible administrative model balancing sporting excellence with economic gains. This strengthens Dubai’s position as a leading regional sports industry centre.
The outcomes of the ‘Club Accelerators’ workshop add significantly to initiatives aimed at developing both government and private clubs in Dubai. Successful strategies will be shared across emirate clubs under a comprehensive vision for a sustainable professional sports ecosystem.
With inputs from WAM
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