The Atlantis resort on Palm Jumeirah Island, Dubai, will be the venue for the SportAccord Convention 2010 Dubai, a gathering of 1,500 representatives from more than 60 countries, including delegates from more than 100 international sports federations and organisations, taking place from between April 25 and 30.

The conference themes will be the changing geography of international sport and sport’s key role in the big issues on the global agenda.

Among topics will be the role of sport as an agent of social change; sport in the Middle East; sport as a leader in sustainable development; autonomy of sport; and sponsorship in sport.

Princess Haya, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), was joined by Dr Ahmed Al Sharif, secretary general of the Dubai Sports Council and vice-president of the Dubai organising committee; Andrew Ryan, Association of Summer Olympic International Federations, a founding association of the Convention; and Anna Hellman, the executive Director of SportAccord.

Since it was launched at Madrid in 2003, SportAccord has been held in Lausanne, Berlin, Seoul, Beijing, Athens and Denver.

It is due to be held in London in 2011.

The Princess said: "The promoters were right in choosing Dubai as a destination because we are ideally suited for this role.
"SportAccord is a significant event for Dubai and the emirate is an ideal choice for the convention.

"It is a very special meet.

"It will be a great experience for both Dubai and the world of sports."

Hellman said: "Not only is Dubai a leading trade, tourism and business hub, it is also a city with an enviable infrastructure as well as considerable experience of hosting world class events. 

"Being at the crossroads of east and west, Dubai provides a special opportunity to express the global role of our gathering for the decision makers of world sport."

The convention will also feature an exhibition, networking receptions and top-level conference sessions as well as the annual general meetings of sport governing bodies.

There will also be the City Forum, focusing on the needs and concerns of international cities that bid for and host sporting events, the organisers added.

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