Latest news with #NationalSportsStrategy2031


Hi Dubai
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Hi Dubai
Ministry of Sports Launches 'Sportifai' to Drive Digital Transformation in Sports Sector
The Ministry of Sports has launched Sportifai, a new digital platform aimed at revolutionising sports governance and athlete development across the UAE. Unveiled during the "Driving Digital Transformation in the UAE Sports Sector" workshop, Sportifai will serve as a centralised, AI-powered ecosystem to streamline operations, support talent identification, and enhance performance monitoring. The platform aligns with the UAE's National Sports Strategy 2031 and is part of the government's broader push toward smart governance. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, described Sportifai as a 'major leap forward' for the sector, highlighting its ability to boost efficiency and innovation. He noted the platform simplifies access to services for sports federations in line with the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme. 'By integrating data analytics and artificial intelligence, Sportifai allows early detection of promising athletes and supports evidence-based decision-making,' Al Falasi added. The platform will be adopted by all sports federations and clubs, according to Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry. It includes advanced systems for athlete data management, talent scouting, and performance analysis. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness, revealed the platform's brand identity and thanked federation leaders for their collaboration. He stressed the need for continued cooperation to ensure successful implementation. The workshop featured two sessions: one for federation presidents introducing Sportifai , and another for technical and administrative staff focusing on key digital projects. The launch of Sportifai marks a critical step in building a more connected and data-driven sports environment in the UAE. News Source: Emirates News Agency


Mid East Info
15-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Ministry of Sports launches ‘Sportifai' platform as foundation of new AI-driven national framework to drive digital transformation and enhance sports governance
In the presence of Ministry of Sports officials, heads of Sports Federations, and technical and administrative staff. H.E. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi: 'The 'Sportifai' platform paves the way for a transformative shift in the UAE's sports landscape by strengthening smart governance, enhancing performance, and fostering collaboration among National Sports Councils, Federations, and Clubs to boost the competitiveness of national sports.' The Ministry of Sports hosted leaders from UAE Sports Federations at the 'Driving Digital Transformation in the UAE Sports Sector' workshop to introduce them on using the new Sportifai platform. platform. Sportifai offers an integrated suite of digital services powered by AI and advanced technologies, enabling various stakeholders in the sports ecosystem to collaborate under a unified talent development vision. offers an integrated suite of digital services powered by AI and advanced technologies, enabling various stakeholders in the sports ecosystem to collaborate under a unified talent development vision. The workshop emphasized the importance of strategic collaborations with national and private sports institutions to enhance governance and support elite and emerging athlete development. UAE,May 2025- The UAE Ministry of Sports today introduced Sportifai digital platform that will provide the foundation of a fully integrated and interconnected system for enhancing sports Governance and identifying, supporting and developing athletes across the country and accelerating efforts to realize the goals of National Sports Strategy 2031. The launch was marked by a workshop for leaders of national Sports Federations titled 'Driving Digital Transformation in the UAE Sports Sector' , aimed at equipping Federation leaders and technical staff with the knowledge to effectively use Sportifai to benefit athletes and align with national goals. During the workshop, H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness, unveiled the platform's brand identity and its official name: ' Sportifai '. Sportifai aims to bring about a qualitative leap in the development of the national sports sector by establishing a specialized entity chaired by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports. This entity will lead the digital transformation journey by adopting artificial intelligence applications to support athletes, sports federations, and clubs. H.E. Dr. Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, emphasized that Sportifai represents a major leap forward for the UAE sports sector. It provides a comprehensive digital ecosystem to enhance operational efficiency and foster innovation. By harnessing AI and data analytics, the platform enables early identification and development of athletes. H.E. added: 'Sportifai simplifies access to services for sports Federations in line with the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, further supporting performance improvement and smart governance.' H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi emphasized that Sportifai enables seamless integration across national sports organizations, providing real-time access to accurate data that supports evidence-based decision-making. He highlighted the platform's role as a foundational element of the broader digital transformation of the UAE's sports sector, in alignment with the National Sports Strategy 2031. H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports, said: ' Sportifai is designed as a technological partner for use across all Federations and Sports clubs, through developing an integrated digital infrastructure including advanced systems for athlete data management, modern talent identification solutions, and performance analysis tools. H.E. affirmed that the next phase will empower sports professionals with digital analytics and data governance capabilities and support entrepreneurship and innovation through the development of startups in sports technology. Also, H.E. urged federations to leverage this innovative ecosystem and collaborate to enhance the transformation, aligning with national goals. H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum extended his appreciation to the Federation leaders for their active engagement in the workshop. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among sports entities to ensure the successful implementation of the digital transformation strategy. H.E. Sheikh Suhail said, 'The launch of Sportifai marks the beginning of a comprehensive development journey for our national sports community built on the latest technologies using the most advanced available digital tools for performance analysis, readiness assessment, and support for decision-making within sports Federations.' 'It stands as one of the most important mechanisms to empower these Federations by alleviating administrative burdens and providing accurate, analyzable data. This allows officials and specialists within the Federations to focus on technical and competitive aspects, contributing to improved athletic performance of teams and players, and enhancing the mechanisms for talent identification and sustainability within the sports sector,' H.E. added. The workshop was divided into two sessions. The first session, dedicated to the presidents of Sports Federations, featured a detailed presentation by the Ministry on the Sportifai platform. The session underscored the importance of involving Federations in achieving digital transformation as a critical component of developing the national sports ecosystem. It outlined the platform's objectives and its role in providing sports entities with effective and comprehensive capabilities, while positioning the platform as a center of excellence for unifying efforts and driving innovation across disciplines. The second session, attended by technical and administrative staff from the Sports Federations, focused on priority projects within the Ministry's digital transformation strategy, foremost among them, the 'Talent Identification Platform'. This platform is designed to track athletes' development from early stages through to professional and Olympic levels using a unified digital record. This approach enhances the creation of a reliable national database and supports talent development through strengthened partnerships between government institutions and Federations. The Ministry also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the technical departments of Federations and the platform to activate these initiatives and ensure their long-term success. The Digital Transformation and Sports Innovation Platform was first introduced in March 2025 through a cooperation agreement between the Ministry and the UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC), witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE NOC and H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi. The platform will operate through strategic partnerships with key sports entities to support the objectives of the National Sports Strategy 2031. These partnerships include: The National Olympic Committee, to ensure alignment with Olympic standards. The UAE Committee for Elite Sports, to enhance the development of competitive sports and improve athlete performance. The UAE Committee for Talent and National Sports Support, to establish pathways for identifying and nurturing athletic talent. Additionally, the platform will be supported by various Ministry of Sports committees, Federations, clubs, and academies at both the grassroots and professional levels. Private sector institutions and technology companies will also play a vital role by contributing innovative digital solutions and advancing sports data analytics.


Web Release
15-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Ministry of Sports launches ‘Sportifai' platform as foundation of new AI-driven national framework to drive digital transformation and enhance sports governance
The UAE Ministry of Sports today introduced Sportifai digital platform that will provide the foundation of a fully integrated and interconnected system for enhancing sports Governance and identifying, supporting and developing athletes across the country and accelerating efforts to realize the goals of National Sports Strategy 2031. The launch was marked by a workshop for leaders of national Sports Federations titled 'Driving Digital Transformation in the UAE Sports Sector' , aimed at equipping Federation leaders and technical staff with the knowledge to effectively use Sportifai to benefit athletes and align with national goals. During the workshop, H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness, unveiled the platform's brand identity and its official name: ' Sportifai '. Sportifai aims to bring about a qualitative leap in the development of the national sports sector by establishing a specialized entity chaired by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports. This entity will lead the digital transformation journey by adopting artificial intelligence applications to support athletes, sports federations, and clubs. H.E. Dr. Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, emphasized that Sportifai represents a major leap forward for the UAE sports sector. It provides a comprehensive digital ecosystem to enhance operational efficiency and foster innovation. By harnessing AI and data analytics, the platform enables early identification and development of athletes. H.E. added: 'Sportifai simplifies access to services for sports Federations in line with the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, further supporting performance improvement and smart governance.' H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi emphasized that Sportifai enables seamless integration across national sports organizations, providing real-time access to accurate data that supports evidence-based decision-making. He highlighted the platform's role as a foundational element of the broader digital transformation of the UAE's sports sector, in alignment with the National Sports Strategy 2031. H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports, said: ' Sportifai is designed as a technological partner for use across all Federations and Sports clubs, through developing an integrated digital infrastructure including advanced systems for athlete data management, modern talent identification solutions, and performance analysis tools. H.E. affirmed that the next phase will empower sports professionals with digital analytics and data governance capabilities and support entrepreneurship and innovation through the development of startups in sports technology. Also, H.E. urged federations to leverage this innovative ecosystem and collaborate to enhance the transformation, aligning with national goals. H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum extended his appreciation to the Federation leaders for their active engagement in the workshop. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among sports entities to ensure the successful implementation of the digital transformation strategy. H.E. Sheikh Suhail said, 'The launch of Sportifai marks the beginning of a comprehensive development journey for our national sports community built on the latest technologies using the most advanced available digital tools for performance analysis, readiness assessment, and support for decision-making within sports Federations.' 'It stands as one of the most important mechanisms to empower these Federations by alleviating administrative burdens and providing accurate, analyzable data. This allows officials and specialists within the Federations to focus on technical and competitive aspects, contributing to improved athletic performance of teams and players, and enhancing the mechanisms for talent identification and sustainability within the sports sector,' H.E. added. The workshop was divided into two sessions. The first session, dedicated to the presidents of Sports Federations, featured a detailed presentation by the Ministry on the Sportifai platform. The session underscored the importance of involving Federations in achieving digital transformation as a critical component of developing the national sports ecosystem. It outlined the platform's objectives and its role in providing sports entities with effective and comprehensive capabilities, while positioning the platform as a center of excellence for unifying efforts and driving innovation across disciplines. The second session, attended by technical and administrative staff from the Sports Federations, focused on priority projects within the Ministry's digital transformation strategy, foremost among them, the 'Talent Identification Platform'. This platform is designed to track athletes' development from early stages through to professional and Olympic levels using a unified digital record. This approach enhances the creation of a reliable national database and supports talent development through strengthened partnerships between government institutions and Federations. The Ministry also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the technical departments of Federations and the platform to activate these initiatives and ensure their long-term success. The Digital Transformation and Sports Innovation Platform was first introduced in March 2025 through a cooperation agreement between the Ministry and the UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC), witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE NOC and H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi. The platform will operate through strategic partnerships with key sports entities to support the objectives of the National Sports Strategy 2031. These partnerships include: The National Olympic Committee, to ensure alignment with Olympic standards. The UAE Committee for Elite Sports, to enhance the development of competitive sports and improve athlete performance. The UAE Committee for Talent and National Sports Support, to establish pathways for identifying and nurturing athletic talent. Additionally, the platform will be supported by various Ministry of Sports committees, Federations, clubs, and academies at both the grassroots and professional levels. Private sector institutions and technology companies will also play a vital role by contributing innovative digital solutions and advancing sports data analytics.


Gulf Today
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Minister of Sports honours winners of inaugural edition of UAE University Games
The inaugural edition of the UAE University Games concluded on Sunday with a grand awards ceremony at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, celebrating student-athletes and top-performing universities from across the country. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the UAE School and University Sports Federation, and supported by Solutions+ and MBME Group, the 2025 Games marked a major milestone in youth sports development and talent promotion in the UAE. The closing ceremony was attended by an array of distinguished officials. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, presented awards to the winning teams and athletes, joined by Dr Sultan Bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajiri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the Ministry of Sports and Secretary-General of the UAE Sports Federation for School and University Sports. The event also welcomed senior figures from sports and education, including Dr Bakhit Al Kathiri, Chief Investment Officer at Mubadala; His Excellency Obaid Salem Al Shamsi, Second Vice President of the UAE Football Association; and His Excellency Abdullah Juma Al Darmaki, President of the UAE Volleyball Association. The American University in Dubai (AUD) emerged as the standout performer of the competition, capturing three titles in men's and women's basketball as well as women's volleyball, earning the prestigious 'Overall Excellence Shield.' The University of Sharjah followed closely, winning the men's football and men's volleyball titles to secure second place overall. The University of Rochester rounded out the top three. Speaking at the ceremony, Al Falasi hailed the Games as a key step in realising the goals of the National Sports Strategy 2031. He noted that the participation of more than 1,800 students from 28 universities reflected the growing importance of university sports in shaping a healthy, active, and socially responsible generation. He underlined the tournament's contribution to building a sustainable sports culture that spans all levels of education, complementing efforts such as the UAE School Games to identify and nurture national athletic talent capable of competing at regional and global levels, including the Olympics. Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum described the University Games as a foundational pillar in creating a comprehensive and integrated university sports ecosystem. He praised the synergy between academic institutions and sports federations in delivering a successful inaugural edition. Sheikh Suhail highlighted the importance of aligning the university-level sports pathway with international best practices and partnerships in talent development and performance analysis. He emphasised that the tournament's outcomes reflected effective institutional collaboration and national integration, affirming the UAE's broader vision of empowering Emirati youth and supporting national teams with homegrown champions. The first edition of the University Games brought together 1,585 students from 28 universities, showcasing high levels of competition and enthusiasm. Organisers have expressed their intent to build on this momentum in future editions, solidifying university sports as a cornerstone of the UAE's sporting and youth development landscape. WAM


Al Etihad
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Minister of Sports honours winners of inaugural edition of UAE University Games
5 May 2025 18:30 ABU DHABI (WAM)The inaugural edition of the UAE University Games concluded on Sunday with a grand awards ceremony at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, celebrating student-athletes and top-performing universities from across the by the Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the UAE School and University Sports Federation, and supported by Solutions+ and MBME Group, the 2025 Games marked a major milestone in youth sports development and talent promotion in the closing ceremony was attended by an array of distinguished officials. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, presented awards to the winning teams and athletes, joined by Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajiri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports; and Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the Ministry of Sports and Secretary-General of the UAE Sports Federation for School and University event also welcomed senior figures from sports and education, including Dr. Bakhit Al Kathiri, Chief Investment Officer at Mubadala; Obaid Salem Al Shamsi, Second Vice President of the UAE Football Association; and Abdullah Juma Al Darmaki, President of the UAE Volleyball American University in Dubai emerged as the standout performer of the competition, capturing three titles in men's and women's basketball as well as women's volleyball, earning the prestigious 'Overall Excellence Shield'. The University of Sharjah followed closely, winning the men's football and men's volleyball titles to secure second place overall. The University of Rochester rounded out the top at the ceremony, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi hailed the Games as a key step in realising the goals of the National Sports Strategy 2031. He noted that the participation of more than 1,800 students from 28 universities reflected the growing importance of university sports in shaping a healthy, active, and socially responsible underlined the tournament's contribution to building a sustainable sports culture that spans all levels of education, complementing efforts such as the UAE School Games to identify and nurture national athletic talent capable of competing at regional and global levels, including the Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum described the University Games as a foundational pillar in creating a comprehensive and integrated university sports ecosystem. He praised the synergy between academic institutions and sports federations in delivering a successful inaugural Suhail highlighted the importance of aligning the university-level sports pathway with international best practices and partnerships in talent development and performance analysis. He emphasised that the tournament's outcomes reflected effective institutional collaboration and national integration, affirming the UAE's broader vision of empowering Emirati youth and supporting national teams with homegrown champions. The first edition of the University Games brought together 1,585 students from 28 universities, showcasing high levels of competition and enthusiasm. Organisers have expressed their intent to build on this momentum in future editions, solidifying university sports as a cornerstone of the UAE's sporting and youth development landscape.