Dubai: May 5, 2010-In a special and exclusive interview with Dubai One channel, one of Dubai Media Incorporated channels, the Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, discussed sports development in the region, her Olympic moments and her equestrian passion. The interview aired on Sunday 2/5/2010, on Dubai One TV’s Dubai Tonight, with presenter Dareen Abughaida and will re-air on Friday 07 May 2010 at 17:00 UAE.
Commenting on SportAccord convention and why did Dubai choose to host such a prestigious event, HRH said: "It's very, very important to us for many reasons. Most importantly, it was a part of the puzzle that we were missing at this point, and it was a part of a strategy that we planned a long time ago. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed had obviously started a strategy where he looked at high-profile events, and I think that we've really made a name for our country in that area. Then the part of the puzzle that was interesting for us was beginning to work on the infrastructure of sports in the country, which meant exposure to decision makers, exposure to the kind of level of discussion and introduction to the International Federations, which is really key--it's at the very heart of SportAccord--because they all come and meet and discuss and network and really make decisions here. So, the exposure of our people to that, and really the region to that, was a key part in deciding really how we shape our future from here on. Obviously that goes in parallel with the work that he's ordered to start at real grass-roots level sport throughout the emirate of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. We're really looking forward to the future. I think that everybody is buzzing with the ideas that we've come up with, with the discussions that we've had, and I'm really looking forward to the fact that we can tie this altogether now and make use of it internally, as well as the friends and contacts we've made."
HRH added: "I think that there is also a huge element of the fact that the international world of sport has so much to offer the world. It's such an important communication tool. Bringing the world of sport here to Dubai has also possibly ensured that they gain a new understanding of our region, of our culture, of the kind of challenges that we face. One of the main ones was that sport was never high on our agenda, because we are a region that has so many other very important issues that we have to tackle. Because of that the world also sees us at times with a very narrow lens and we very much hope that one of the most important things that will come out of SportAccord being held in Dubai is actually a benefit for the region in general. These people who love sport will leave our region understanding it better and passing on the message that we share the same values, we speak the same language in holding those values dear to our hearts, and there is more to us than the headlines that they read in the papers. That really is a regional aspiration."
In a statement on whether sport can play a special role in the world, in terms of furthering positive changes, HRH said: "I have absolutely no doubt about the power of sport. I've lived it, I've seen it. It's about people, it's about individuals, it's about the power of the human being, and there is really no other industry that has that. It's one that for hundreds of years has been celebrated. It comes naturally for everyone, it's not something that has to be forced or recreated. Of course, we're constantly evolving and refining ourselves as a movement, but I have absolutely no doubt or question about what sports can offer the world. It's key to all of us."
Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al HuDubai: May 5, 2010-In a special and exclusive interview with Dubai One channel, one of Dubai Media Incorporated channels, the Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, discussed sports development in the region, her Olympic moments and her equestrian passion. The interview aired on Sunday 2/5/2010, on Dubai One TV’s Dubai Tonight, with presenter Dareen Abughaida and will re-air on Friday 07 May 2010 at 17:00 UAE.
Commenting on SportAccord convention and why did Dubai choose to host such a prestigious event, HRH said: "It's very, very important to us for many reasons. Most importantly, it was a part of the puzzle that we were missing at this point, and it was a part of a strategy that we planned a long time ago. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed had obviously started a strategy where he looked at high-profile events, and I think that we've really made a name for our country in that area. Then the part of the puzzle that was interesting for us was beginning to work on the infrastructure of sports in the country, which meant exposure to decision makers, exposure to the kind of level of discussion and introduction to the International Federations, which is really key--it's at the very heart of SportAccord--because they all come and meet and discuss and network and really make decisions here. So, the exposure of our people to that, and really the region to that, was a key part in deciding really how we shape our future from here on. Obviously that goes in parallel with the work that he's ordered to start at real grass-roots level sport throughout the emirate of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. We're really looking forward to the future. I think that everybody is buzzing with the ideas that we've come up with, with the discussions that we've had, and I'm really looking forward to the fact that we can tie this altogether now and make use of it internally, as well as the friends and contacts we've made."
HRH added: "I think that there is also a huge element of the fact that the international world of sport has so much to offer the world. It's such an important communication tool. Bringing the world of sport here to Dubai has also possibly ensured that they gain a new understanding of our region, of our culture, of the kind of challenges that we face. One of the main ones was that sport was never high on our agenda, because we are a region that has so many other very important issues that we have to tackle. Because of that the world also sees us at times with a very narrow lens and we very much hope that one of the most important things that will come out of SportAccord being held in Dubai is actually a benefit for the region in general. These people who love sport will leave our region understanding it better and passing on the message that we share the same values, we speak the same language in holding those values dear to our hearts, and there is more to us than the headlines that they read in the papers. That really is a regional aspiration."
In a statement on whether sport can play a special role in the world, in terms of furthering positive changes, HRH said: "I have absolutely no doubt about the power of sport. I've lived it, I've seen it. It's about people, it's about individuals, it's about the power of the human being, and there is really no other industry that has that. It's one that for hundreds of years has been celebrated. It comes naturally for everyone, it's not something that has to be forced or recreated. Of course, we're constantly evolving and refining ourselves as a movement, but I have absolutely no doubt or question about what sports can offer the world. It's key to all of us."
Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hu sit with a person that you have never met before and, if you talk about sports, you speak a common language. It's a bridge in nearly every sense. It is really one of the ways that best connects people and it's good for people."
The interview aired on Sunday on Dubai One TV’s Dubai Tonight, with presenter Dareen Abughaida. It will re-air on Friday at 17:00 and is already available online:
http://www.dubaimedia.ae/Media/view/64333
