The United Arab Emirates (UAE) 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 January 11 to 13, 2026. The session was attended by youth and sports ministers as well as senior officials from Arab countries, along with representatives of the General-Secretariat of the League of Arab States, to explore avenues that ensure enhanced collaboration in the youth and sports sectors.
The Council was chaired by H.E. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports. In addition, the UAE delegation comprised 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 those of the Youth Committee, the Sports Committee, the Financial Committee, the Fund and the Executive Bureau, as well as the ministerial meeting.
In his speech, H.E. Al Falasi welcomed the Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports, expressing sincere appreciation towards the Republic of Iraq for its remarkable contributions to chair the 48th session of the Council. H.E. AL Falasi commended Iraq’s role in supporting the implementation of Arab youth and sports programmes as the Capital of Arab Sports Culture in 2025, building upon the achievements of the technical youth and sports committees of the Executive Bureau. H.E. further extended his gratitude to the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States for organising meetings and promoting joint efforts in the Arab youth and sports sectors.
His Excellency further highlighted that the UAE’s chairmanship of this session reflects its commitment to fostering collaborations in the Arab youth and sports sectors, strengthening regional integration and streamlining efforts to develop sustainable policies that contribute to youth empowerment and the development of the Arab sports ecosystem, guided by the directives of its wise leadership. This seamlessly aligns with broader comprehensive development priorities, reinforcing 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 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. 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 various strategic initiatives for empowering Arab youth and enhancing their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Sports Committee meeting revolved around key topics, such as sports infrastructure development as well as enhancing community sports, school sports, women’s sports, e-sports, and organisation of joint Arab sports events. Concluding the meeting, the Council highlighted the importance of strengthening joint coordination and implementing practical initiatives aimed at advancing the Arab you