Sharjah: Sharjah has hosted the Arab Forum for Financing and Investment in the Sports Sector at the Pullman Hotel. The Forum focused on the economic advantages of investing in sports, drawing attention from industry leaders, investors, and government officials.
The event, a collaborative effort between the Arab Administrative Development Organization and the Sharjah Sports Council, seeks to examine the potential advantages and obstacles related to sports investment The 3-day long forum conducts discussions that underscores the importance of sports as a key driver of economic development.
The forum covers five main themes, with the first day dedicated to topics such as sports investment and marketing, sports investment and service providers, global sports legislation, and sports investment arbitration.
Hamad Ali Al Mahmoud, the representative of the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department; Eisa Hilal Al-Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; Abdulmalik Jani, Vice Chairman of the Council, board members, students, sports federation and club representatives, and council managers, attended the opening session.
Experts at the forum highlighted how investments in sports facilities, events, and infrastructure can lead to job creation, increased tourism, and enhanced local economies. Presentations featured successful examples from the region, illustrating how sports can contribute to sustainable growth.
🎥| جانب من فعاليات اليوم الأول للملتقى العربي للتمويل والاستثمار في القطاع الرياضي الذي تنظمه المنظمة العربية للتنمية الإدارية بالتعاون مع مجلس الشارقة الرياضي.#مجلس_الشارقة_الرياضي pic.twitter.com/PEVzFBs5oR
— مجلس الشارقة الرياضي (@SharjahSports) September 23, 2024
Al-Hazami highlighted the importance of Sharjah hosting the forum and emphasized the connection between sports and the economy through finance and investment. He reaffirmed the Council’s steadfast commitment to fulfilling the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who views sports as a fundamental element of human development.
Participants were urged to consider partnerships and investment opportunities within the sports sector, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to fully leverage the economic potential of sports in Sharjah and the wider region. The event concluded with a commitment to fostering a thriving sports ecosystem that benefits both the community and the economy.