Dubai: Tennis Emirates (TE) is ready to host the global tennis fraternity for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of International Tennis Federation scheduled in Dubai next month.
“On behalf of Shaikh Hasher Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, President, Tennis Emirates and my colleagues, members of the Board of Tennis Emirates, it is my pleasure to welcome, with great delight, the ITF and all the members of the tennis fraternity of the world to Dubai, the City of Gold, for the AGM which is being held for the first time in the Middle East and the Arab world,” Abdul Rahman Ahmad Falaknaz, Vice President, TE, said.
The annual AGM of the ITF will be headed by President Francesco Ricci Bitti in Dubai from September 16-18. The meeting is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman, Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
The ITF President has been a regular to Dubai and a staunch believer in the UAE’s capacity in hosting top events.
“The entire family of nations is looking forward to an outstanding Annual General Meeting in Dubai.
“I have been fortunate enough to visit Dubai several times and think it is one of the most vibrant and interesting cities in the world.
“Our relationship with Tennis Emirates is excellent and I know that my friend His Highness Sheikh Hasher Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum and his team will host a wonderful meeting for all of us from the ITF,” Ricci Bitti said.
Dubai outbid Egypt and Serbia and received the nod to host the ITF’s annual meeting during the course of its gathering in Prague in November, 2012.
The ITF’s AGM is a major event in the international tennis calendar and is attended by delegates from all the member countries of the world governing body. So far, nearly 200 delegates from member nations have confirmed their participation.
During the meeting, issues concerning all areas of the game will be discussed, including rules of the game and its development, competition, marketing, junior tennis, senior events, beach tennis, wheelchair tennis and anti-doping measures.
The hosting of such an important meeting falls within the strategy and thinking of the Dubai Government at large and the Dubai Sports Council, in particular. Besides deliberating several issues at the meeting, the delegates will also have an opportunity to see the culture and heritage of the UAE.
“The AGM of the ITF gives Dubai a perfect platform to achieve the strategic plan laid down by our Chairman, Shaikh Hamdan.
“We are thrilled to welcome the tennis think tank here in Dubai with the hope that the sport will develop even more starting from the grass roots level,” said Dr Ahmad Sa’ad Al Sharif, General Secretary, DSC.
