GAS and Knowledge Fund Establishment to support talent development in sports

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The General Authority of Sports (GAS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Knowledge Fund Establishment (KFE) to strengthen cooperation through utilising some KFE’s educational assets for training and development of local sports talent to prepare them for future participation in national teams.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector — GAS, and Abdullah Mohammed Al Awar, CEO — KFE, at GAS’s headquarters in Dubai.

The MoU aims at enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise between the two parties in accordance with GAS’s principles of governance, partnership, and achievement.

Sheikh Suhail said: “In accordance with the ‘Principles of the 50’ intended to enhance investments in human capital and skill development, GAS aims at expanding the infrastructure of sports facilities to create the optimal environment for athletes and national teams.

“We will strive to further develop sports facilities to meet future needs required to develop local talents and support national teams.”

The MoU further encourages institutional communication, promotes athletic participation in the education sector, and provides required assistance to develop future initiatives.

Awar said: “We are committed to strengthening government integration and launching strategic partnerships between federal and local government entities to support the youth in many areas including sports development. By launching initiatives that further our shared objectives, we look forward to expanding our cooperation with GAS, and attracting and nurturing sports talents in Dubai.”

Some of KFE’s educational assets have hosted numerous sports tournaments and other sporting events. Under this MoU, a KFE educational asset will be one of the facilities offered by GAS to sports federations to support the development of national teams and provide the ideal environment for athletes to train as they prepare for various regional and international competitions.

GAS encourages government entities, sports sector institutions, and the private sector to benefit from its sports facilities. One of its available facilities is the Zayed Sports Complex in the Emirate of Fujairah, which hosts numerous national and international sports competitions.

KFE offers a variety of investment opportunities in the knowledge sector with focus on Dubai’s education sector.