Sports Coordination Council Meeting In 2025 Focuses On Strengthening UAE's National Sports Ecosystem

The Sports Coordination Council recently convened for its second meeting of 2025 at the Ministry of Sports in Dubai. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, led the session, which included senior sports officials and representatives from federal and local government entities. The Council aims to align strategies and policies to boost the UAE's global sports competitiveness.

Dr Al Falasi highlighted the Council's strategic role in fostering integration among sports entities nationwide. He emphasised its importance in tracking national directives to develop the sports sector, aligning with broader visions for future development phases. "The Council plays an integral role in streamlining efforts between the nation’s sports institutions," he stated.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council presented its 2025 agenda, featuring 172 diverse events across various disciplines and age groups. This initiative aims to promote community sports participation and foster a lifestyle centred around physical activity. Additionally, Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the Masters Games 2026, which will include over 30 sports and attract around 25,000 participants aged over 30.

The Dubai Sports Council outlined its key events for 2025, including the seventh Labour Sports Tournament from September 28, 2025, to June 30, 2026. It also plans large-scale public events like the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30x30, which enjoys broad community participation. These initiatives aim to enhance community engagement through sports.

The Ministry of Sports reviewed preparations for the third UAE School Games edition. This event will feature Obstacle Course Racing alongside 12 other sports and expand participation to students aged under 9 to 19 years. Registration opens on October 13, with finals scheduled for May after qualification rounds from January to February.

Updates on the second University Games edition were also shared. The event will include Obstacle Course Racing and three team sports: football, volleyball, and basketball. Around 2,700 students from 47 universities are expected to compete in over 700 matches. The league stage began in October and runs through February.

Talent Identification Initiatives

The UAE Committee for Talent and Sports Support showcased achievements of its Talent Committee Platform. This digital platform identifies talented athletes nationwide. So far, it has seen participation from 1,169 athletes creating profiles and 307 submitting applications. A recent assessment camp involved 101 athletes across 22 different sports.

The Ministry introduced the ‘National Sports Talent Schools’ initiative (NSTS) with the Ministry of Education. This programme transforms government school complexes into comprehensive training centres after school hours. It aims to establish pathways for identifying national talent while promoting community participation through recreational hubs.

Institutional Support

The UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) plans to host headquarters for 23 national federations and several Asian and Arab federations. Shared offices are allocated for federations without premises, with meeting halls provided free of charge. The NOC covers logistical costs to support national federations and enhance institutional coordination.

Attendees stressed coordination between all parties is crucial for institutional integration. They highlighted fostering a sustainable sports ecosystem as vital for advancing the National Sports Strategy 2031 and enhancing UAE's regional and global role in sports.

The Council aims to propose solutions and recommendations while coordinating efforts between various entities. Hosting major events is part of promoting sustainable growth within the sector.

With inputs from WAM