The International Tennis Federation (ITF) President Francesco Ricci Bitti will lead top minds from the world of tennis at the 101st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the world governing body in Dubai next month.
Scheduled to be held from September 16 to 18 under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the annual meeting will bring together the who’s who from the world of tennis from across the globe.
Ricci Bitti, who has been a regular visitor to the UAE, was convinced that Dubai has the infrastructure and capacity to host such an important event that would bring together the top decision-makers from the world of tennis.
“The entire family of nations is looking forward to an outstanding Annual General Meeting in Dubai,” said Ricci Bitti.
“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.”
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 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.
“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 Ahmed Al Sharif, the general secretary of Dubai Sports Council.