Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, emphasized the significant role of sport in shaping a better future for global societies. He reaffirmed Dubai's support for international initiatives that enhance the role of sport at both individual and community levels. According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan welcomed participants of the World Sports Summit, including global sports leaders, federation presidents, investors, decision-makers, and athletes. This two-day event aims to explore the current state and future of sport worldwide and its role in societal development and community empowerment. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the World Sports Summit as a pioneering event originating in the UAE. The summit will gather sports leaders and experts from around the world to discuss sports development and its future through strategic initiatives, legislation , and agreements. His Highness expressed the goal of the summit to unify efforts and strengthen the role of sport in community empowerment, talent development, and inspiring future generations. The World Sports Summit, guided by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan, is organized by the Dubai Sports Council and will be held from December 29 to 30 at Madinat Jumeirah. Under the theme 'Uniting the World Through Sport', the event will feature over 70 speakers, including global sports legends. The summit aligns with the objectives of Dubai's Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, aiming to host major international sporting events and establish Dubai as a leading global sports destination. The summit will also recognize the winners of the 13th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award, the largest in terms of prize value and categories. The award celebrates achievements by sports figures and institutions from the UAE, the Arab world, and internationally, focusing on those who have significantly impacted global sport. Partici pants, speakers, and guests have started arriving for the summit, which begins on December 29. Notable attendees include FIFA President Gianni Infantino and sports legends from various disciplines. The Organising Committee has arranged entertainment and sporting events, including padel competitions, recreational activities, and tours of Dubai, providing attendees with opportunities to connect and explore before the summit sessions begin. The first day of the summit will feature panel discussions and speeches from renowned sports leaders. The day will commence with a speech by His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, followed by a keynote address titled 'The Next 90 Minutes' by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Prominent sports figures participating in the summit include H.H. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic, MMA champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and other international sports icons.