The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Sports, participated in the 2026 BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, held on August 22 and 23 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.”
Led by H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports, the UAE delegation discussed opportunities to strengthen sports cooperation among BRICS countries and expand the exchange of expertise and best practices.
Key areas of discussion included sports technology and innovation, traditional and indigenous sports, athlete exchanges, sports industry cooperation and capacity building.
UAE Highlights Commitment to Global Sports Cooperation
Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum said the UAE’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening international cooperation and developing strategic partnerships that contribute to the sustainable growth of the sports sector.
“The UAE remains dedicated to strengthening international cooperation and building strategic partnerships that support the growth and sustainability of the sports sector,” he said.
He added that the UAE’s vision is focused on developing a competitive and sustainable sports ecosystem that nurtures talent, supports athletes, strengthens high-performance pathways and enhances the country’s position on the international sports stage.
The National Sports Strategy 2031 supports these objectives by establishing priorities for developing the sports sector and improving its overall efficiency.
BRICS Sports Technology Working Group Proposed
Technology and innovation were among the key topics discussed during the meeting, with participants examining how emerging technologies can be applied across areas including athlete performance, sports science, management, governance, fan engagement and sports infrastructure.
The participants also highlighted the importance of ensuring that emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are used responsibly, ethically and securely.
BRICS countries reached an agreement in principle to establish a BRICS Sports Technology Working Group. The proposed group would facilitate the exchange of institutional best practices, technical information, expertise and research findings among participating countries.
It would also explore opportunities for pilot initiatives in areas of shared interest and support collaboration between sports and research institutions.
The UAE delegation highlighted the country’s efforts to explore technology-driven developments in sports through initiatives and major events, including the World Sports Summit in Dubai and the Games of the Future in Abu Dhabi.
Support for Traditional and Indigenous Sports
The meeting also examined the role of traditional and indigenous sports in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening community connections.
The UAE expressed its support for the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games, scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad, India, on October 12 and 13, 2026.
Participants also discussed efforts to establish joint mechanisms for documenting traditional and indigenous sports and facilitating knowledge exchange.
Expanding Cooperation Across the Sports Industry
BRICS representatives explored opportunities to increase cooperation across the wider sports economy by strengthening links between manufacturers, technology companies, investors and relevant institutions.
The discussions focused on sharing expertise in sports products and technologies while identifying opportunities for innovation, investment and partnerships among member countries.
The UAE highlighted the importance of cooperation in technology, innovation, capacity building and talent development as the global sports sector undergoes rapid transformation.
Joint Statement Strengthens Sports Cooperation
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Joint Statement of the BRICS Sports Ministers, reaffirming the participating countries’ commitment to continued cooperation under the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Physical Culture and Sport.
The statement encourages greater knowledge exchange, capacity building and technical cooperation among sports authorities and relevant institutions.
It also calls for stronger engagement among National Olympic Committees and sports federations, as well as expanded cooperation involving athletes, coaches, sports scientists, administrators, experts and researchers.
The statement further emphasises the importance of an inclusive, ethical, safe and responsible approach to sports technology, while respecting the national laws and priorities of participating countries.
Bilateral Meetings Focus on New Partnerships
On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Sheikh Suhail bin Butti held bilateral discussions with H.E. Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, H.E. Alexey Morozov, Deputy Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation, and representatives from participating countries.
The meetings explored ways to strengthen existing cooperation and identify new opportunities, particularly in sports technology and innovation, capacity building and talent development.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of supporting major sporting events hosted by BRICS member countries, including the Games of the Future and the BRICS Games.
UAE Reaffirms Role in International Sports Cooperation
Through its participation in the BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting, the UAE reaffirmed its focus on international partnerships, knowledge exchange and innovation as part of its broader sports development agenda.
The cooperation is expected to support efforts to build more innovative, inclusive and sustainable sports ecosystems while strengthening connections among athletes, institutions and communities across BRICS countries.
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