His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), opened the 38th edition of the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) World Congress of Sports Medicine, being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre until 27 October.

The opening was attended by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee; Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al-Sharqi, Chairman of the UAE Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, along with several public figures and sports personalities.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC), the Congress is organised by the UAE NOC, represented by the Sports Medicine Committee, with co-hosts including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the Emirates Physiotherapy Society, and the Emirates Society of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed expressed his gratitude to the Scientific Committee of the World Congress of Sports Medicine chaired by Prof. Yannis Pitsiladis for consistently selecting topics of significant importance to the athlete community. He noted that these efforts have laid a strong foundation for the advancements seen today in global studies and research, which have played a pivotal role in enhancing the field of sports medicine and the expertise of practitioners.

Sheikh Mansoor added that the UAE’s ability to host major events in the field of sports sciences is a clear testament to the global confidence placed in the country. It also reflects the UAE's high standards of professionalism and excellence in organising successful events, he said.

“We are pleased with the exceptional level of participation at the Congress sessions, where leading experts are sharing valuable ideas and insights. This builds on the proud legacy of the International Federation of Sports Medicine, which embarked on its historic journey 96 years ago during the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics,” Sheikh Mansoor said.

During his keynote address, Dr. Hashel Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Sports Medicine Committee at the UAE NOC, highlighted the UAE leadership’s commitment to advancing sports medicine and sports sciences as outlined in the National Sports Strategy 2031.

“The UAE NOC is honoured to host the 38th World Congress of Sports Medicine for the first time in the UAE, reflecting the international community's confidence in the nation's ability to organise such a prestigious event. For the first time, the Congress will also feature the Global Alliance Day for the Promotion of Physical Activity, highlighting the NOC's dedication not only to the well-being of athletes but also to promoting health and physical activity across the broader community,” said Dr. Tunaiji.

Prof. Fabio Pigozzi, President of the International Federation of Sports Medicine, also addressed the audience, highlighting the expanding role of sports medicine in both recreational and competitive sports. “Here in Dubai, we are joined by delegations from 118 national associations and committees within the International Federation of Sports Medicine, alongside sports medicine specialists from around the world, as well as students and numerous invited speakers, to exchange the latest developments in sports medicine and engage in discussions in the fields of scientific, academic, and technical research. Our goal is to unite around a shared vision of promoting health, preventing and treating various diseases through physical activity and exercise, and supporting athletes in their return to sports after injury,” he said. Prof. Pigozzi then added  “FIMS has strengthened in recent years its strategic positioning in the Olympic movement on medical and scientific issues that pose particular threats to the integrity of sports competition that reside in all forms of traditional doping, issues of technological equity, and the integration of transgender and intersex athletes in elite sports, always with a practical approach attentive not only to human rights but also to the right to fair and safe competition.”

An impressive exhibition held alongside the Congress, where were shown the latest advancements in sports medicine and the innovative approaches being implemented by medical institutions and private entities for athlete care.

Throughout the Congress, a diverse range of sessions will continue, with lectures on sports science and physical performance addressing topics such as training loads, recovery techniques, the application of technology and artificial intelligence in sports, and a special session dedicated to the “Global Alliance for Physical Activity Promotion”, focusing on its role in reducing the risks of Non-Communicable Diseases.

The event featured a total of 16 sessions with 130 speakers, six workshops, 304 research papers, and participation from over 30 supporting entities, bringing together representatives from more than 70 countries.