Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council (DSC), has stressed on the need for Dubai’s sports sector to keep pace with the development in all the other sectors of the Emirate because sports is an integral and essential part of life, and it can contribute to the development of all sectors, at all levels, by increasing happiness and productivity.

Sheikh Mansoor also stressed on the importance of building on the achievements of the previous period by keeping abreast with the latest developments in the sports sector around the globe, embracing innovation and technology, and preparing actionable strategic plans.

Sheikh Mansoor made those comments as he presided over his first meeting of Dubai Sports Council’s Board of Directors since taking over as Chairman of DSC on Feb. 15.

“I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for his support and trust, and for entrusting me with the responsibility of building on the foundations and legacy that Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has created at the Council, and continuing its successful march.

“Decisions made during this hugely successful past phase will be our guiding principles as we continue the process of development of this vital sector by adopting global best practices, drafting decrees and resolutions for the benefit of the sports industry, and encouraging every segment of our community to embrace sports, especially aspiring youngsters who will go on to fly our beloved country’s flag at international sports championships in the future.”

Sheikh Mansoor urged the Board to increase the pace of their work and focus on supporting the leadership’s strategic plans and vision for the country, and on achieving the six strategic objectives of the Council, namely: Motivating every segment of Dubai’s diverse community to embrace sports as part of their daily lifestyle; Nurturing aspiring young athletes, and supporting and encouraging their bid for success on the international stage; Supporting sports clubs and football companies in achieving financial independence; Increasing economic returns from organising and hosting sports events and sports tourism in Dubai; Governance of Dubai’s sports institutions; Provide internally supportive operations in an efficient, effective and transparent manner.

Stressing on the necessity of governance in the sports sector, Sheikh Mansoor said: “Good governance is not just a slogan, but an approach and a system that is the foundation for success. Good governance is the basis for all success because it puts proper procedures and systems in place, selects and nurtures talent, encourages leadership and transparency, and optimises resources.”

The meeting of the Board of Directors took place at Dubai Sports Council and Mattar Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of DSC, was present alongside Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of DSC, and the other of Board – Abdullah Al Karam, Ahmad Al Shafar, Mohammed Al Kamali, Mariam Al Hammadi, Moaza Al Marri and Lamia Abdul Aziz Khan. Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of DSC, and Saleh Al Marzooqi, Director of DSC’s Corporate Support Department, were also present at the meeting.