Inspiring youth to participate in sport will lead to an increase of Emirati and UAE based athletes competing at the highest level, according to the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Speaking on the side lines of the Sport Industry Forum Abu Dhabi 2016 at Zayed Sports City, the secretary general of the council added that greater community engagement in sport, the right facilities and sponsorship of events at all stages are necessary to ensure success.

“Bringing substantial international events to Abu Dhabi is inspiring people of all ages and contributing to the increase of participation in UAE sport,” said His Excellency Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

“We plan to bring more events like the Abu Dhabi Tour, the HSBC Golf Championship and the inaugural Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open to the UAE.”

Over 100 leaders in the business of sport took part in the closed door meeting held in the Royal Box, including government, federations, venues, rights holders and brands.

Discussion focused on three key areas – the community, the facilities and the sponsors – and their impact on UAE sport.

Other topics discussed included the main commercial trends in sport in Abu Dhabi and the growth of women’s sport.