The UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to international sports cooperation following its participation in the 2026 BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Represented by the Ministry of Sports, the UAE joined BRICS member countries for the meeting on 22 and 23 August under the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability’.
The UAE delegation was led by H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across sports technology and innovation, traditional and indigenous sports, athlete exchanges and the wider sports industry. Delegates also explored ways to turn these priorities into practical frameworks for future collaboration.
UAE highlights international sports partnerships
H.E. Sheikh Suhail said the UAE’s participation reflects its commitment to developing international partnerships that support the long-term growth of sport.
He also highlighted the role of sport in supporting development and strengthening connections between communities.
“The UAE’s vision for the future of sports is anchored in establishing a competitive and sustainable ecosystem that nurtures talent, empowers athletes, advances high-performance pathways, and strengthens the country’s standing on the international stage. The National Sports Strategy 2031 translates this vision into clear priorities, with a clear focus on developing the sector and enhancing its overall efficiency. Delivering on these ambitions requires continued collaboration with global partners, effective knowledge exchange, and capacity-building across all areas of the sports sector.”
He added that technology, sports science and data are becoming increasingly important as the global sports industry evolves.
“As the global sports sector undergoes rapid transformation, emerging technologies, innovation, sports science and data analytics are becoming increasingly central to shaping the future of sports, and enhancing the performance of athletes and sports organisations. In this regard, BRICS serves as an important platform for sharing knowledge and expertise among nations with diverse capabilities. The platform allows us to identify new avenues for collaboration and leverage technology and innovation through institutional frameworks that advance sustainable sector development, and benefit athletes and communities.”
Technology and innovation take centre stage
Technology was a major focus of the meeting. Discussions explored its growing role across athlete performance, sports science, management, governance, fan engagement and sports infrastructure.
Participants also stressed the importance of ensuring that emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are used responsibly, ethically and securely.
The UAE delegation highlighted the country’s efforts to explore the future of sport through major initiatives and events, including the World Sports Summit in Dubai and Games of the Future in Abu Dhabi. Both platforms have brought together athletes, decision-makers, experts and innovators to examine how new technologies are changing sport.
BRICS Sports Technology Working Group proposed
One of the meeting’s key outcomes was an agreement in principle to establish a BRICS Sports Technology Working Group.
The proposed group would provide a platform for BRICS countries to exchange institutional best practices, technical expertise, research and information.
It would also explore opportunities for pilot initiatives in areas of shared interest. The proposal is intended to strengthen capacity-building and deepen cooperation between sports and research institutions across BRICS countries.
Traditional sports support cultural connections
Traditional and indigenous sports were another area of focus, with participants highlighting their role in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening community connections.
The UAE confirmed its support for the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games, scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad, India, on 12 and 13 October 2026.
It also welcomed efforts to develop joint mechanisms for documenting traditional sports and sharing knowledge between participating countries.
Expanding opportunities across the sports industry
The ministers also discussed ways to strengthen connections across the wider sports economy.
This includes greater cooperation between manufacturers, technology providers, investors and relevant institutions in BRICS countries.
Participants explored opportunities to exchange expertise in sports products and technologies, with the aim of supporting innovation while creating new possibilities for investment, partnerships and economic growth.
Joint Statement sets out next steps
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Joint Statement of the BRICS Sports Ministers.
The statement reaffirmed the countries’ commitment to cooperation under the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Physical Culture and Sport.
It also called for stronger knowledge exchange, capacity-building and technical cooperation between sports authorities and relevant institutions.
In addition, the statement encouraged greater direct engagement between National Olympic Committees and sports federations. It also supports increased cooperation between athletes, coaches, sports scientists, experts, administrators and researchers.
The responsible use of technology remains a priority, with the statement emphasising an inclusive, ethical, safe and responsible approach in line with the laws and priorities of individual member countries.
Through its participation, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to working with BRICS members to develop more innovative, inclusive and sustainable sports ecosystems.
Bilateral meetings strengthen BRICS partnerships
Alongside the main meeting, H.E. Sheikh Suhail held a series of bilateral discussions with representatives from participating countries.
These included meetings with H.E. Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and H.E. Alexey Morozov, Deputy Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation.
The discussions explored opportunities to build on existing partnerships, particularly in sports technology and innovation. Capacity-building, talent development and the exchange of expertise were also among the areas discussed.
The meetings further highlighted the importance of supporting major sporting events hosted by BRICS countries, including the Games of the Future and BRICS Games.
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