UAE Participates in First Meeting of Sports Ministers from Asian Cooperation Dialogue Countries

The UAE joined Asian nations in Russia for the first sports ministers meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue, focusing on how technology and innovation are reshaping athletics across the continent. The gathering brought together officials from over 35 Asian countries to discuss everything from talent discovery to data analytics in sports.

Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajri, UAE's Undersecretary for Sports, represented the country at the meeting in Samara, Russia. The event happened alongside the 13th International Sports Forum "Russia – A Sports Power," bringing together ministers and officials from member states plus representatives from regional and international sports organizations.

Al Hajri emphasized how sports has become a universal language that builds bridges between nations. "Sport has become capable of extending bridges of cooperation between nations and enhancing friendship, understanding, and human closeness between the peoples of Asia and the world," he said during the meeting.

The UAE official highlighted how rapid technological development has made sports innovation a key factor in athletics' future. He pointed to artificial intelligence and big data analysis as essential tools for creating athletic excellence and building future champions. These technologies are changing everything from physical performance and training methods to smart governance and data analysis.

Al Hajri outlined the UAE's strategy for developing its sports ecosystem through an innovation-friendly environment. The country focuses on projects that discover young talent, which serves as the foundation for sustainable development in sports. "Young people are the energy of the future, and our investment in them is an investment in the sustainability of sporting achievement," he explained.

The ministerial meeting covered several important areas. Countries discussed enhancing cooperation in sports infrastructure, talent discovery, and developing competitive capabilities. They also looked at expanding community participation in sports activities and sharing expertise on modern sports policies and innovation in training and sports management.

The Asia Cooperation Dialogue was established in 2002 in Bangkok, Thailand, and now includes more than 35 Asian countries. The organization aims to strengthen integration and cooperation across Asia in multiple fields including economics, culture, education, science and technology, plus youth and sports sectors.

The meeting reflects Asia's growing influence in global sports. As countries invest more in sports technology and youth development, they're positioning themselves as major players in international athletics. This cooperation could lead to more Asian countries competing at higher levels in global competitions and hosting major sporting events.