UAE Unveils National Platform To Identify And Nurture Sports Talent

In Dubai, the UAE Ministry of Sports unveiled the 'Talent Committee Platform', a groundbreaking national initiative aimed at revolutionising the identification and nurturing of sports talent across the Emirates. This innovative platform is a key part of the UAE Committee for Talent and National Sports (UAETSS)'s strategy to create a more integrated sports ecosystem.

"The platform supports early-stage talent identification through structured development pathways, digital governance and partnerships. It connects schools, academies, clubs, and federations, creating a national framework for performance enhancement and athlete discovery," stated Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, highlighting its role in enhancing the sports infrastructure.

The platform is designed to serve as a central hub for athletes, coaches, scouts, clubs, and educational institutions. It operates in conjunction with the Ministry's Sportifai platform, offering tools for real-time performance tracking and transparent evaluation of athletes' development. This integration is pivotal in fostering a smart and sustainable sports system in the UAE.

During the launch, Dr. Al Falasi underscored the initiative's alignment with the National Sports Strategy 2031 goals, including increasing the number of Emirati athletes competing in the Olympics. "Our priority is to establish a sustainable national system to identify and develop talent to the highest level of competitive performance," he remarked.

Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum pointed towards the platform's role in the Ministry's digital shift, which marries analytics with tailored development pathways for athletes. "It ensures fair and transparent evaluation, while offering tools to monitor progress and support athletes' academic and sporting development," he said. The platform promises balanced growth for athletes and their readiness for international competitions.

Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, thanking the initiative's sponsors and supporters, highlighted their indispensable role in empowering athletes and strengthening the national sports framework. This collective effort is vital for the platform's success and the overall development of sports in the UAE.

Set for public launch in early July, the platform's pilot phase has already selected 58 athletes across 13 sports disciplines through a detailed evaluation process involving federations and scouts. This selection process included direct nominations and scouting during School Games finals, leveraging advanced digital tools by PlayerMaker and Precision Football.

The ceremony also showcased the platform's contribution to national sports development and detailed the registration process for interested parties. It concluded with the Sports Giving Award ceremony, honoring the UAETSS's key supporters.

Among the supporters, gold-tier contributors such as MAIR Group, Al Waha Capital, and HSBC Bank were acknowledged alongside silver-tier supporters like Etisalat and Lulu Group. Bronze-tier supporters, including Sadiq Fath Al Khaja and Abdulhamid Abdulrahman Al Khouri, were also recognized for their contributions.

Since its establishment in 2021, the UAETSS has been instrumental in fostering athletic talent in collaboration with various sports federations, clubs, and academic entities. Its mission is to enhance talent identification, create supportive environments for development, and ensure access to top-notch training and competitive opportunities, aiming to elevate Emirati athletes to the highest global standards.