Sheikh Mansoor Guides First Meeting Of Dubai Sports Council’s New Board

H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, congratulated the new Board of Directors for earning the trust of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Speaking at their first meeting, Sheikh Mansoor praised the new board members for their mission to manage and develop Dubai's sports sector.

Sheikh Mansoor acknowledged the efforts of the outgoing Board members, including Mattar Al Tayer, former Vice Chairman, and other members like Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri and Maryam Al Hammadi. Their valuable contributions have significantly developed the sports sector in Dubai and the UAE over the years.

"During his tenure as Vice Chairman of the Council since the founding of the DSC, Mattar Al Tayer has made significant contributions to developing the sports sector during a critical period, transforming sports from a hobby into a professional field. He played a key role in the development of institutional systems and the governance of the sector. His contributions have been pivotal in achieving the progress we see today. Mattar Al Tayer has our thanks and appreciation, as well as the gratitude of all those working in this vital sector," said Sheikh Mansoor.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor outlined key priorities for the Council's upcoming phase. "Our efforts will be guided by the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which serves as a roadmap for Dubai’s social development over the next decade. This aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and follows the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Our focus will be on managing and developing the sports sector to ensure it contributes to the achievement of the government's objectives," Sheikh Mansoor noted.

The meeting was attended by Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the new Board of Directors, along with members such as Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa and Ahmed Zainal Al Khaja. Other attendees included Sayed Ismail Sayed Al Hashimi and Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al Karam.

Strengthening Partnerships

Sheikh Mansoor emphasised that strengthening partnerships with public and private sectors is crucial for facilitating investment in sports. Leveraging government policies to launch innovative projects aims to boost Dubai's GDP through sports contributions while enhancing community engagement.

The Council also announced restructuring its permanent committees during this meeting. Several Board members were appointed as leaders or members to implement plans aligned with future strategies.

Committee Restructuring

The newly formed committees include:

• Strategy, Performance, and Talent Development Committee: Chaired by Khalfan Juma Belhoul with Dr. Abdullah Al Karam as Vice Chairman.
• Investment Committee: Chaired by Sayed Ismail Al Hashemi with Ahmed Al Khaja serving as Vice Chairman.
• Games Development Committee: Chaired by Ali Al Mutawa with Majid Al Osaimi as Vice Chairman and Safiya Al Sayegh as a member.

Additionally, national experts from various sports sectors will be nominated to support these committees in achieving their goals aligned with leadership's vision.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for key upcoming events and programmes aimed at furthering these objectives.

The Dubai Social Agenda 33 was launched earlier this year under 'Family: The Foundation of Our Nation'. This agenda serves as a roadmap for social development over ten years.

Sheikh Mansoor highlighted that nurturing sports talent is essential for positioning Dubai as a hub for creativity while setting an exemplary model for quality living standards.

"Our thanks also go out to Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri and Maryam Al Hammadi whose professional expertise has greatly contributed to developing sports institutions. We also extend our appreciation to all former members of the Board for their significant roles in achieving Council’s goals," added Sheikh Mansoor.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on continuing efforts towards enhancing Dubai's sports sector through strategic planning and effective implementation by newly appointed committee leaders.

With inputs from WAM