Mansoor bin Mohammed Inaugurates World Sports Summit, Uniting 1,500 Global Sports Leaders in Dubai
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, inaugurated the World Sports Summit in Dubai on December 29. The event, which spans two days, is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and has gathered over 1,500 influential figures from the global sports sector, including athletes, legends, and representatives from various sports organizations and federations.
A Platform for International Sports Development
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed emphasized the Summit’s role as a vital platform for shaping the future of international sports. He highlighted the importance of discussing both short- and long-term development opportunities while fostering international cooperation and partnerships. The Summit aims to generate innovative ideas for future legislation to tackle challenges in areas such as regulation, organization, performance, funding, talent discovery, and the integration of artificial intelligence in sports development programs.
“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,” Sheikh Mansoor stated. He underscored that sport serves as a universal language and passion that connects people across the globe.
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 noted that Dubai is an ideal venue for dialogue and international partnerships, thanks to its forward-looking vision focused on comprehensive development and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for diverse communities.
Belhoul articulated that one of the primary objectives of the World Sports Summit is to facilitate global dialogue on the current and future landscape of sports, emphasizing its role in enhancing the lives of people worldwide.
Football as a Unifying Force
FIFA President Gianni Infantino participated in a keynote session titled “The Next 90 Minutes,” where he highlighted football’s unique ability to unite people and bring joy to all ages. He stressed the need for continued support for talent development, infrastructure, and national federations globally. Infantino also emphasized the importance of modern technology in enhancing the appeal and competitiveness of football.
Diverse Perspectives from Sports Legends
Former world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic participated in a session titled “Sustainability in Sport: Exploring New Horizons for Physical Abilities.” Djokovic reflected on his early passion for tennis and significant milestones in his career. He advocated for the importance of nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for them to showcase their abilities.
The opening day also featured His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports in Bahrain, in a session entitled “Leading from the Front Lines.”
Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao shared insights into his sporting journey and the challenges he faced en route to international success. Nasser Al Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain, discussed the club’s recent achievements across sports, business, and culture, moderated by former Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch.
Tennis champions Ons Jabeur of Tunisia and Paula Badosa of Spain participated in a panel discussion titled “Defying Expectations: A Spectrum of Turning Pressures and Disappointments into Historic Moments,” moderated by journalist Sarah Stone.
Later, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, addressed the audience, outlining the UAE’s vision for the future of sports. A special session featured former boxer Oleksandr Usyk, while a panel of former players and current managers in the American basketball league discussed women’s leadership roles in sports and business.
The day concluded with a panel featuring Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario, who recounted his transition from the pitch to entrepreneurship.
Day Two Highlights
The second day of the Summit, scheduled for December 30, will feature mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, discussing the future of combat sports in a session moderated by former England and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand.
Upcoming sessions will include former Italian football star Roberto Baggio and his daughter Valentina, as well as Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero. Discussions will also involve American football stars like Reggie Bush and Baron Davis, focusing on the intersection of sports careers and management.
A session will explore the influence of sports championships on the global fashion industry, featuring speakers such as Jamie Wynne, president of Jimmy Choo, and American football star Victor Cruz.
In a special session on the EuroLeague basketball league, His Excellency Abdullah Al Naboodah, founder and owner of Dubai Basketball Club, will speak alongside French basketball legend Tony Parker and other notable figures.
A panel of successful sports investors, including Amanda Staveley and Mary Owen, will discuss the future of sports investment. The day will also feature renowned author and fitness expert Nick Santonastasso, alongside Wyke Grosbeck, CEO of the Boston Celtics, focusing on investment opportunities in sports.
The Summit will conclude with a special session featuring six World Cup-winning players and coaches, including Ronaldo, Cafu, Carles Puyol, Andrés Iniesta, Didier Deschamps, and Fabio Cannavaro, moderated by Alessandro Del Piero.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2025-12-29 12:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk