The MESGO and MIP Alumni were in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from 23 to 26 February for the first Xtra Time session focusing on sport in the Gulf region. The session was organised by the MESGO and MIP Alumni Association, the UEFA Academy and CDES Limoges, and led by Joël Pinson, UEFA Academy Programme & Management Expert at UEFA.

Kevin Ashby, President, MESGO Alumni Association (MESGO IV alumnus), Joël Pinson, UEFA Academy Programme & Management Expert and Ciska Du Plessis Austin (MESGO V Alumnus).

In this session, participants explored a range of key issues shaping the sporting landscape in the Gulf region:

1. Geopolitical Dynamics in Sport: We discussed the role of political and economic factors influencing the development of sport in the region and how these dynamics are shaping both local and international perceptions.
2. Football Ecosystem & Strategic Initiatives: The conversation included a deep dive into the football ecosystem, focusing on strategic plans and initiatives being rolled out ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. We examined how these efforts are positioning the Gulf region for long-term success in global football.
3. Sports Development: Key areas of sports development were addressed, with a particular focus on the region’s infrastructure, the creation of talent pathways and the significant investments being made to support the growth of various sporting disciplines.
4. Integrating Women’s Sport: We explored the challenges and opportunities surrounding the integration of women’s sport into the wider sporting context. The discussion highlighted ongoing efforts to bridge the gender gap and the evolving landscape for female athletes in the region.
5. Event Hosting Strategy in a Federal State: We explored the complexities of event-hosting strategies within a federal state framework, looking at how coordination between regions and national authorities impacts the ability to successfully host international sporting events.
6. The future of sports governance and sustainability: The session concluded with reflections on the future of sports governance, emphasising the need for sustainability in an era of rapid change. We discussed the importance of adaptive governance structures to meet the demands of a constantly evolving global sports environment.

We would like to thank all the speakers whose contributions made this session a success. Having representatives from the UAE Football Association, Saudi 2034 bid, Saudi Pro League, Asian Football Confederation, Ethara, Portas Consulting, UAE Team ADQ and the International Cricket Council was a key component of this Xtra Time session and allowed for a strong interaction with the participants.

Many thanks to them for their availability and for sharing their experiences!

At the UAE FA: Welcome speech by Hamad Al Jneibi, Vice-President, UAE Football Association and MESGO VIII participant.

At the UAE FA: Presentation by Karim Mohamed, Head of Systems and AI section & Tariq Al Sherif, Finance Director, UAE Football Association.

At the UAE FA: Presentation about the AFC, Saudi Arabia and the 2034 FIFA World Cup: From Asia to the World by Andrew Mercer, General Counsel & Director of Legal Affairs, Asian Football Confederation (MESGO IV Alumnus).

At the UAE FA: Presentation about the AFC, Saudi Arabia and the 2034 FIFA World Cup: From Asia to the World by Ahmed Alosaymi, Legal director, Saudi 2034 bid & Chief Legal Officer, Asian Cup 2027.

At the UAE FA: Presentation about the Saudi Pro League: A strategic approach by Peter Hutton, Board member, Saudi Pro League.

At the UAE FA: Presentation about The Gulf’s Sporting Boom: Trends, Tactics, and Triumphs by Ali Abbas and Mohamed Berrada, Partners, Portas Consulting.

At Yas Marina Circuit: Presentation about Speed, Strategy, and Spectacle: The Yas Marina Circuit
by Michael Golding, Marketing & Communications Executive Director, Ethara.

At Yas Marina Circuit: Presentation about the Women’s Sport Participation in the Gulf by Petra Santini, Associate Partner, Portas Consulting.

At Yas Marina Circuit: Presentation about Cycling as a Strategic Initiative by Paola Acosta, Head of Marketing, Aurora Group & Head of Marketing department, UAE Team ADQ & Melissa Moncada, President and Head of the Team, UAE ADQ.

At the International Cricket Council: Presentation about Exploring cricket’s governance challenges, diverse formats, and the path to the LA28 Olympics by Jonathan Hall, General Counsel and Company Secretary, International Cricket Council (MESGO III alumnus).

At the International Cricket Council: Presentation about the ICC development programmes and their strategic impact by Will Glenwright, Head of Global Development & Abhishek Shekhawat, Participation Programmes Manager, International Cricket Council.

The MESGO & MIP Alumni at the International Cricket Council.

A massive thank you to all the MESGO & MIP Alumni who attended the session and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.