Hundreds of sports figures, including government officials, stars from various sports, leaders of international federations, investors, and decision-makers from the sports and business sectors, have flocked to Dubai to participate in the World Sports Summit. The summit is held under the patronage and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and is organized by the Dubai Sports Council. The event, which continues until tomorrow in the city of Jumeirah, is held under the slogan 'We Unite the World Through Sport'. The summit was opened by a speech from the Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, Khalaf Al-Houl, who confirmed that the World Sports Summit is a major and important event, reflected in the quality of the attendance and the momentum that Dubai is experiencing as a global center for the sports industry. Al-Houl said: 'The main message we are keen to convey is the importance of investing in the blessing that is the United Arab Emirates, which has today become a country attractive to investors, athletes, and tourists alike.' He added: 'What we are witnessing today is the fruit of an extended leadership vision for over 50 years, during which the country has achieved qualitative achievements that some might have thought would need hundreds of years to accomplish.' The Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council also pointed to the strategic dimension of sports, explaining that 'sports are no longer just competitions within stadiums, but have become an effective diplomatic tool that intersects with politics and the economy, and contributes to building bridges between peoples and enhancing civilizational communication.' Al-Houl concluded his remarks by emphasizing that 'the summit raises many positive issues alongside challenges, and we seek through it to preserve Dubai's gains and enhance its global position, serving the future of sports at both local and international levels'.
