Mansoor bin Mohammed Inaugurates World Sports Summit, Uniting 1,500 Global Sporting Icons in Dubai
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the World Sports Summit in Dubai, highlighting the pivotal role of sports in fostering global unity. The event, held on December 29, 2025, gathered over 1,500 influential figures from the sports sector, including athletes, legends, and representatives from various sports organizations worldwide.
A Platform for Global Dialogue
The two-day summit, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, aims to shape the future of international sports. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed emphasized that the summit serves as an annual platform for discussing opportunities for both short and long-term development in sports. He noted the importance of international cooperation and partnerships in addressing challenges faced by the sector.
Sheikh Mansoor stated, “Through this global sporting gathering, we aim to maximize the benefit of having these prominent figures and sports leaders in Dubai for two days to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and unite the world through sport, which represents the universal language and passion of all peoples, and to shape the future of sport.”
Vision for the Future of Sports
The summit commenced with an opening address by His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. He highlighted Dubai’s role as an ideal venue for dialogue and international partnerships in the sports sector. Belhoul stressed the importance of a forward-looking vision that enhances the quality of life for diverse communities.
He articulated that one of the primary goals of the World Sports Summit is to facilitate global dialogue on the present and future of sports, emphasizing its role in improving lives worldwide.
Keynote Sessions and Discussions
FIFA President Gianni Infantino participated in a keynote session titled “The Next 90 Minutes,” where he underscored football’s unifying power. Infantino pointed out the necessity of supporting talent development, infrastructure, and national federations globally. He also stressed the importance of modern technology in enhancing the sport’s appeal and competitiveness.
Former world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic contributed to a session on sustainability in sports, sharing insights from his career and the significance of nurturing young talent. Djokovic highlighted the need for support and training for promising athletes from an early age.
Inspirational Accounts from Sporting Legends
The opening day featured a panel discussion with Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who recounted his journey and the challenges he faced on the road to success. Nasser Al Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain, shared the club’s achievements across sports, business, and culture, moderated by former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.
Tennis champions Ons Jabeur and Paula Badosa participated in a discussion titled “Defying Expectations,” focusing on overcoming pressures and transforming disappointments into historic achievements. UAE Minister of Sports Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi addressed the gathering, outlining the UAE’s vision for the future of sports.
Focus on Women in Sports
A special session featured former boxer Oleksandr Usyk and a panel of women leaders in sports and business, including Tamika Tremaleo and Michelle Roberts. This session highlighted the critical role women play in the sports industry.
The day concluded with a discussion featuring Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario, who shared his transition from sports to entrepreneurship.
Day Two Highlights
The second day of the summit, scheduled for December 30, will feature mixed martial arts legend Khabib Nurmagomedov discussing the future of combat sports. Other sessions will include former Italian football star Roberto Baggio and discussions on the intersection of sports careers and management.
A session will also explore the influence of sports on the global fashion industry, featuring prominent figures such as Jamie Wynne, president of Jimmy Choo, and American football star Victor Cruz.
Special Sessions on Investment and Future Trends
In a special session focused on the EuroLeague basketball league, His Excellency Abdullah Al Naboodah, founder of Dubai Basketball Club, will speak alongside French basketball legend Tony Parker. The summit will also address the future of sports investment, featuring successful investors like Amanda Staveley and Mary Owen.
The concluding session will bring together six World Cup-winning players and coaches, including Ronaldo and Cafu, moderated by Alessandro Del Piero, another World Cup winner.
As reported by www.mediaoffice.ae.
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Published on 2025-12-29 12:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk