The wide variety of nationalities in the country will play a huge role in making the inaugural UAE National Sports Day a success, according to Saeed Hareb, secretary general of Dubai Sports Council.

With the emphasis of promoting a healthy lifestyle, National Sports Day was launched giving the opportunity for people of all abilities in the UAE to take part in sporting activities. The UAE has a high number of different nationalities and Hareb insists that is a major advantage.

– UAE: First ever National Sports Day to take place on November 25

“The first National Sports Day is an open invitation for all people of the UAE. It doesn’t matter if they’re young or old, or whatever our gender and ability is; we want to prove our unity and want every company and individual to be involved,” he said.

“There are people here from different countries across the world which makes the UAE very diverse  and if we all work and bring everyone together it will have a big 
impact and perhaps that will be the start of them taking up sport.”

While stressing the importance of participation, Hareb adds women should not miss out on embracing this unique opportunity.

“We need to include women. We have made them a major part of so many events, so why not sport too,” he said. 

“It will be the biggest sports event for women yet and we urge them to compete on this day.”

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, vice president of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare, said: “We have different groups who will support particular activities for women like Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and the Sports Councils of Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.”

And Hareb added: “The labourers are also important and we want them to be involved. 

“There are plans to visit them in their camps and encourage them to participate.”