Dubai to host 38th edition of the World Congress of Sports Medicine

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Council of Delegates of the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) has selected Dubai as the host city of the 38th edition of the World Congress of Sports Medicine, taking place in 2024.

The announcement follows the UAE’s successful participation in the 37th edition of the congress held in Jalisco, Mexico during September 2022, with the country represented by the Sports Medicine Committee of the UAE’s National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC), led by Dr Abdulla Al Rahoomi, Vice President of the UAE's Medical Olympic Committee.

The prestigious bi-annual sports medicine event, which unites four continental sports medicine associations and 117 national sports medicine associations worldwide, will bring together more than 1,000 medicine professionals from across the globe in Dubai during the conference which shapes the future of the medical sports industry.  

Participating delegates will include orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, sports dietitians, occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists and other leading medical industry practitioners who will discuss best practice within sports medicine.

The UAE Medical Olympics Committee worked closely with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to prepare a comprehensive bid document highlighting the UAE's capabilities in efficiently hosting and managing large-scale conferences and events.

Dubai’s well-documented experience in hosting major congresses and gatherings alongside the commitment of the UAE’s Sports Medicine Committee, secured the Emirate the right to host the forthcoming biannual edition of the congress in 2024.

The bid to host the Congress was submitted to the organising committee in early 2022, following in-depth meetings between the Medical Olympics Committee, led by Dr. Hashel Al Tunaiji, chairman of the Sports Medicine Committee and the International Federation of Sports Medicine.

Dr. Felipe Gomez, president of the Mexican Federation of Sports Medicine (FEMMEDE), presented the Congress flag to Dr. Abdulla Al Rahoomi, during the 37th edition of the World Congress of Sports Medicine confirming Dubai’s success, with the city beating off strong competition from Croatia and Chile to secure the rights to host the globally renowned sports medicine event.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Executive Office, recognised the honour of hosting the event as a key milestone in establishing the UAE as a top-tier destination for hosting and organising major sports events and industry congresses.

He also reiterated the wise directives of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the National Olympic Committee, to establish proactive partnerships with international entities and organisations. Promoting the overall sports scene in the UAE, such collaborations also provide dedicated spaces for exchanging knowledge in the sports science field.

These efforts feed into the Congress’ focus on the integral topic of athletes’ health and safety, while highlighting the best and latest practices, standards, and technologies in this field.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) commented: “Dubai has been successful in its bid to host the 2024 World Congress of Sports Medicine as a result of the constructive cooperation with our partners in the public and private sectors, led by the Sports Medicine Committee of the UAE’s National Olympic Committee.

Dubai submitted a comprehensive and attractive bid highlighting the city’s exceptional capabilities, advanced infrastructure and record of accomplishment with world-class events.

The hosting of this prestigious congress is aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, to make Dubai a globally renowned events hub, and one of the world's best cities to visit, work and live in”.

“The event will offer attendees and participants an important platform to exchange ideas and knowledge, as well as discuss the latest developments and innovations in sports medicine, whilst enjoying Dubai's unique tourism proposition”, concluded  Marri.

Dr. Hashel Al Tunaiji lauded the Medical Olympics Committee’s efforts to secure the UAE’s 38th edition hosting bid, commenting: “This dedication reflects the Congress's leading objectives of promoting sports medicine and its academic activities across the world, ensuring better physical and mental health, and supporting the wellbeing of sports enthusiasts.

The Congress also provides athletes with access to superior healthcare and quality training opportunities, boosting their health whilst enabling them to achieve optimal performance.”

Professor Fabio Pigozzi, the newly re-elected President of the International Federation of Sports Medicine, showed his satisfaction with the success of Dubai's candidature to host the XXXVIII FIMS Congress in 2024:

“An exceptional bid presentation by the representatives of the UAE Delegation was very well received by the Executive Committee and the Council of Delegates of FIMS. We look forward to seeing a FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine being hosted again by a Gulf country after so many years and above all, in Dubai, a city which is at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

This congress will be an extraordinary opportunity to further promote sports medicine in the region and I am sure that with the excellence that Dubai has always demonstrated, the event will attract participants from all over the world.”