UAE chairs 49th session of Arab ministers of youth and sports to boost joint development efforts
The United Arab Emirates has chaired the 49th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports, held at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo from January 11 to 13, underscoring its commitment to strengthening Arab cooperation in youth empowerment and sports development.
The session brought together ministers of youth and sports, senior officials from Arab countries, and representatives of the League of Arab States to discuss frameworks for enhanced collaboration across the region. Key discussions focused on community and school sports, women’s sports, e-sports, and the organisation of regional and international championships, highlighting the role of sports as a driver of sustainable development and soft power.
The council was chaired by H.E. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports. The UAE delegation also included H.E. Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, and Rashid Ghanem Al Shamsi, Director of the Empowerment Department at the Federal Youth Authority. The delegation participated in all technical and executive meetings, including those of the Youth Committee, Sports Committee, Financial Committee, Fund, Executive Bureau, and the ministerial session.
In his opening address, H.E. Dr Al Falasi welcomed Arab ministers and expressed appreciation to the Republic of Iraq for its leadership during the 48th session, commending its contributions to advancing Arab youth and sports programmes, particularly in its role as the Capital of Arab Sports Culture in 2025. He also thanked the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States for its role in organising the meetings and promoting joint Arab efforts.
Dr Al Falasi said the UAE’s chairmanship reflects the country’s commitment, under the guidance of its wise leadership, to supporting Arab integration, empowering youth, and strengthening the sports sector as a pillar of sustainable development. He noted that youth and sports are central to enhancing Arab countries’ soft power and fostering regional cohesion.
“The UAE firmly believes that youth and sports are the cornerstones of sustainable development,” he said. “Through this chairmanship, we aim to promote Arab cooperation, forge strategic partnerships, and capitalise on the region’s momentum in hosting major regional and international sporting events, all of which support youth empowerment and reinforce the global presence of Arab states.”
H.E. Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi highlighted that the UAE’s approach to Arab cooperation is rooted in investing in human capital as the primary driver of development. He stressed the importance of unified Arab efforts, the exchange of best practices, and the development of joint initiatives that place youth at the centre of policy and programme design.
The meetings also addressed strategic initiatives to empower Arab youth and enhance their contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The Sports Committee reviewed priorities such as sports infrastructure development, community and school sports, women’s participation in sports, e-sports growth, and the organisation of joint Arab sporting events.
At the conclusion of the session, the council emphasised the need for stronger coordination and the implementation of practical initiatives to advance the Arab youth and sports sectors, aligning with regional development goals and the aspirations of Arab youth.
