Top sporting events to boost UAE's image

Dubai: The Minister of Youth and Social Development has reiterated the government's stance of using top-notch sporting events to rise above the current economic challenges faced by the country.

"Organising an event of international stature is definitely a clear message to the whole world that the emirates, and Dubai in particular, [are] ready to take this up as part of a bigger challenge," Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, the UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, told Gulf News.

Al Owais was the guest of honour at the unveiling of "Ahmisa" — the official mascot for the 10th Fina World Swimming Championships (25m) to be staged at the new Dubai Sports Complex from December 15-19.

More than 5,000 swimmers from nearly 150 countries are expected to participate in these world championships later this year.

"We are still capable of handling huge events and as such we are still going ahead with all the commitments we have made to the world, be it in sporting events or any other sphere," Al Owais added.

The new facility located within the Dubailand development is scheduled for completion and inauguration on October 10 this year. Boasting of a seating capacity of 10,000, the new indoor multi-watersports complex has been built at a cost of $300 million (Dh1.1 billion).

"This is just one of the projects that will show the whole world that we have taken events such as these as a challenge as laid down by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai," Al Owais noted. "This new complex is definitely one of the biggest we have anywhere in the world and with this we expect to convey our message to the world," the minister added.

"We are a lucky people because of the great support and wisdom shown to us by our leaders. The UAE consists of a high percentage of youth and we need to cater to this section of society and sport is one of the best means to get across to our young leaders of tomorrow," he said.

"Based on this sports language we can break barriers of age and culture as everyone concerned is in consonance of the one single ideal of sports," he said.