UAE to Host Landmark Sports Law Conference in 2026 as Mansour bin Mohammed Leads GCC Olympic Meet

Al Asimah Governorate, Kuwait – Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, led the United Arab Emirates delegation at the 37th Meeting of the Presidents of the GCC National Olympic Committees, held in Kuwait. The UAE’s delegation included Dr Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Vice President of the National Olympic Committee; Dr Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Kuwait; Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of the UAE Olympic Committee; and Noura Hassan Al Jasmi, a Board Member of the Committee.

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the approval of the UAE’s proposal to host the first-ever Sports Law and Management Conference in 2026. This initiative, developed by the UAE National Olympic Committee, will explore key themes such as the relevance of the Olympic Charter, governance in the digital age, dispute resolution in sports, transparency in funding, and future challenges in sports law.

The conference aims to bring together experts, legal professionals, and sports administrators to examine legislative amendments and their impact on Olympic governance. Delegates will also focus on smart governance, legal challenges in sports arbitration, and balancing sports integrity with regulatory frameworks. Member States have been encouraged to contribute research papers and case studies, highlighting best practices in sports law and administration from the Gulf region.

To ensure the event’s success, the meeting emphasised the need for strong collaboration between public and private sectors, as well as the integration of advanced technologies. These include interactive applications, live streaming, and digital platforms to engage broader audiences and expand the conference’s global reach.

During the meeting, the UAE was also selected to coordinate with the GCC Secretary General to finalise the date and venue of the 38th meeting of the Presidents of the GCC Olympic Committees. A preparatory session involving the Executive Office will be held prior to the main gathering.

A comprehensive review of the 3rd GCC Beach Games, recently hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, was also discussed. The Executive Office and concerned committees were assigned to examine the event’s technical and organisational aspects, challenges faced, and actionable recommendations to improve future editions.

The meeting also approved Qatar’s proposal to host the 4th GCC Sports Games in 2026. Member States were urged to extend full logistical and technical support to Qatar to ensure the event’s success. In line with growing emphasis on inclusivity, officials stressed the need for increased female participation in all GCC sporting events, reaffirming the region’s commitment to equality in sports.

In another significant move, Kuwait’s request to host the 2nd GCC Youth Games in 2028 was accepted. Delegates highlighted the need to strictly follow age-related technical rules to maintain fairness and competitive integrity. Emphasis was also placed on integrating educational and cultural components into youth competitions, promoting Olympic values and a spirit of sportsmanship among young athletes.

A major part of the discussions also focused on the Integrated Digital Platform for Gulf Women’s Sports, which aims to promote women’s participation and visibility in sports across the GCC. The platform will benefit from full support from all Member States, including data sharing on sports infrastructure and regional tourist attractions. These efforts aim to position the platform as a driver of sports tourism and digital engagement for women athletes.

To ensure smooth planning and alignment with international schedules, the Planning, Coordination and Follow-up Committee was authorised to draft the calendar for GCC multi-sport events from 2029 to 2032. This long-term approach seeks to align the Gulf region’s sporting roadmap with global and regional calendars while creating ample opportunities for cross-border cooperation.

The 37th meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advance the Gulf’s sporting ecosystem, strengthen legal and administrative frameworks, and empower youth and women through targeted programs and digital innovation. The decisions taken reflect the growing role of the GCC Olympic Committees in shaping a more professional, inclusive, and globally connected sports future for the region.