The United Arab Emirates chaired the 49th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports, held at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo from 11 to 13 January 2026.
The session brought together ministers of youth and sports, senior officials from across Arab countries, and representatives of the League of Arab States General Secretariat, to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration in the youth and sports sectors.
The Council was chaired by H.E. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports. The UAE delegation also included H.E. Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, and Rashid Ghanem Al Shamsi, Director of the Empowerment Department at the Federal Youth Authority.
The delegation participated in all technical and executive meetings, including sessions of the Youth Committee, Sports Committee, Financial Committee, the Fund and the Executive Bureau, in addition to the ministerial meeting.
In his speech, H.E. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi welcomed the Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports and expressed sincere appreciation to the Republic of Iraq for its contributions while chairing the 48th session of the Council. He commended Iraq’s role in supporting the implementation of Arab youth and sports programmes as the Capital of Arab Sports Culture in 2025, building on the achievements of the technical youth and sports committees of the Executive Bureau.
He further extended his gratitude to the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States for organising the meetings and promoting joint efforts in the Arab youth and sports sectors.
His Excellency highlighted that the UAE’s chairmanship of the session reflects its commitment to fostering collaboration across the Arab youth and sports sectors, strengthening regional integration, and streamlining efforts to develop sustainable policies that contribute to youth empowerment and the advancement of the Arab sports ecosystem, guided by the directives of the country’s wise leadership. He noted that this aligns with broader comprehensive development priorities and reinforces the role of youth as key pillars of development.
His Excellency also stated:
“The UAE firmly believes that youth and sports are the cornerstones of sustainable development, having the potential to enhance Arab countries’ soft power. By chairing this session, the UAE aims to promote Arab cooperation in these vital fields, forge strategic partnerships and leverage the ongoing momentum in transforming the regional sports sector by hosting regional and international championships. Such efforts play a critical role in supporting youth empowerment, strengthening Arab cohesion, as well as reinforcing the regional and international presence of Arab states.”
In his remarks, H.E. Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, stated:
“The United Arab Emirates bases its work in the Arab collective arena on a well-established approach set by the wise leadership, which focuses on investing in human capital as the core and driving force of development. The directives of the leadership provide a sustainable strategic framework for the development of youth policies and programs, the enhancement of Arab integration, and the creation of developmental models capable of keeping pace with the region’s rapid transformations.”
H.E. Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi added:
“This meeting reaffirms the importance of unifying Arab efforts in the youth sector, exchanging successful experiences and best practices, and developing joint initiatives that place youth at the heart of the development process. It aims to equip them with the tools and opportunities for active participation in shaping the future, enhancing their regional and international presence, and supporting the long-term sustainability of Arab youth work. This is exemplified by the UAE’s chairmanship of this meeting, reflecting its commitment to playing an active role in developing the Arab youth ecosystem through promoting practical initiatives, strengthening impactful partnerships, and adopting shared visions that meet the aspirations of Arab youth, translating them into sustainable policies and programs with tangible regional impact.”
The meetings focused on strategic initiatives aimed at empowering Arab youth and strengthening their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions within the Sports Committee addressed sports infrastructure development, community and school sports, women’s sports, e-sports, and the organisation of joint Arab sports events.
Concluding the meetings, the Council underscored the importance of strengthening joint coordination and implementing practical initiatives to advance the Arab youth and sports sectors, in line with youth aspirations and regional development pathways.
