His Excellency Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports and President of the UAE School and University Sports Federation (UAESUSF), paid a visit to the University of Sharjah’s football team and inspected their training session. The visit comes as the team prepares for the 2025 FISU University World Cup Football, scheduled to be held in Dalian, China, from September 17 to 28, under the supervision of the International University Sports Federation (FISU).
During the visit, His Excellency met with the players, as well as the technical and administrative staff, to review the UAE team’s preparations for this international tournament, which will feature 16 national teams competing over the course of a week. H.E. encouraged the players to perform at their highest level and aim for excellence while demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship that defines the country’s youth.
H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti highlighted that the team’s participation underscores the Ministry of Sports’ continued commitment to supporting student athletes, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports. H.E. commended the Minister’s dedicated efforts to promote university sports and strengthen communication between Emirati youth and their peers from around the world by encouraging their involvement in international competitions, in line with the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership.
His Excellency expressed great confidence in the University of Sharjah players, highlighting their capabilities and strong potential to represent the UAE on the international stage. The team had secured first place in the latest edition of the University Games, organised by UAESUSF. H.E. stated: “The UAE team’s participation highlights the country’s dedication to engaging its youth on global platforms. More than just a championship, this event represents the fundamental values upheld by FISU: excellence, respect, teamwork, and appreciation for academic and cultural diversity.”
The UAE stands as a strong supporter of international sports, placing special emphasis on university-level competitions. This focus represents a significant step in the advancement of Emirati sports and aligns closely with the goals of the National Sports Strategy 2031. By promoting a vibrant university sports culture, these efforts aim to inspire future generations, enhance social cohesion, support the leadership’s vision of increasing sports participation across society, and strengthen the competitiveness of Emirati athletes, leading to the establishment of a robust foundation for the future of national sports.
