In a meeting at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi today, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). Infantino’s visit to the UAE coincides with his attendance at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup tournament in Dubai.
The discussions primarily revolved around the cooperative ties between the UAE and FIFA, with a focus on organizing global sporting events and strategies to bolster this partnership. Particularly, attention was drawn to the ongoing FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai, highlighting its success factors such as robust infrastructure and effective collaboration between local stakeholders and FIFA.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated the UAE’s unwavering commitment to sports as a fundamental element of its vision for comprehensive and sustainable development. He emphasized the pivotal role of global sporting events in fostering international relations and nurturing values, especially among the youth, while promoting a spirit of healthy competition.
Gianni Infantino lauded the UAE’s advanced sports infrastructure and applauded its capability to host major international tournaments. He expressed gratitude for the strong cooperation and coordination between the UAE and FIFA, recognizing the country’s position as a preferred destination for hosting prestigious sporting events.
The meeting, attended by several dignitaries including Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Football Association, signifies the deepening collaboration between the UAE and FIFA in the realm of global sports diplomacy.
