The Australian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai announced on Monday that Bachar Houli, Australian Football League’s top ranked Muslim player from the Richmond Club, and young Muslim footballers from Bachar Houli Youth Football Academy, will conduct Aussie Rules football workshops at Expo 2020 in the lead up to Australia’s National Day celebrations. The workshops will take place on 27-29 January 2022 at Aussie Park at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Bachar Houli is one of Australia’s most successful AFL players, having played over 200 games, including three premierships. His work with Bachar Houli Youth Football Academy and the Bachar Houli Foundation is an incredible example of how the power of sport can unite communities. He will meet his fans at the Australian Pavilion as part of the Australian National Day celebrations.

Bachar Houli is regarded as a role model for the Australian community due to his inspiring work promoting social cohesion and harmony. His dedication and commitment to community work with Muslim youth has made him one of Australia’s most prominent public figures. He has been internationally recognised and awarded the Beyond Sport achievement award for the Bachar Houli Islamic Programs in Philadelphia, USA, and High Excellence Award for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding.

As a showcase of Australia’s rich sporting culture, Bachar Houli will conduct the ‘Skills and Thrills’ public workshop on 27th and 28th January 2022, and the ‘National Day Exhibition Match & AFL Clinic’ on 29th January 2022, both at Aussie Park.

Bachar Houli says: “In my experience, a lot of young Muslims feel they must stray from Islam to earn people’s respect. My belief, and my message, is the opposite, that doing the right thing and being proud of your identity and beliefs will bring you real success, and even more than that, respect for yourself and your faith.”

Justin McGowan, Commissioner General of Australia at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Sport is an integral part of Australian culture, with the unique power to bring people, communities, and nations together. It is a globally recognised vehicle to achieve development outcomes in areas such as health, social cohesion, gender equality and disability inclusion. Australia prides itself on its diversity and inclusion, using sports diplomacy to create social change and make a difference in the world. We are delighted to see Bachar Houli doing just that at Expo 2020 Dubai.”