The Sport Integrity Forum Asia – Dubai Chapter took place today at the headquarters of ISEZA, with the support of the Dubai Sports Council, bringing together senior leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and athletes to address the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of sport across the region and beyond. The gathering was also marked by the launch of SIGA ASIA, a new regional platform dedicated to strengthening integrity, good governance, and capacity-building throughout the continent—an important development referenced throughout the discussions.
The event opened with remarks delivered by Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, SIGA Global CEO and Co-Founder, who underscored the non-negotiable role of integrity as sport navigates rapid transformation. His statement reinforced that good governance, gender equity, education, and youth empowerment remain fundamental pillars to ensure sport fulfils its social, cultural, and economic potential.
In another powerful keynote, Mohammed Hanzab, Founder & Chair of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and Vice-Chair, Civil Society, SIGA Council, delivered a strong call to action on the true meaning of integrity in sport. Highlighting that “integrity also means honoring our responsibility beyond the field,” he stressed the need for Sport to embrace social responsibility, sustainability, and inclusion. Hanzab affirmed that protecting the planet and empowering people must be fundamental to every sporting organisation and to the long-term credibility of the industry.
The first panel, Sport Integrity 2030: A Vision With Future, For the Future, addressed the evolving integrity risks and strategic responsibilities facing sport in the decade ahead. Andrew Mercer (AFC) focused on football governance and collective action to combat match-fixing while reinforcing ecosystems behind the game. Saeed Ali Al Taher, Emirates Esports Federation, provided unique insights into AI-driven cheating threats and the technological safeguards required for fair competition. Waleed Al Hosani, UAE Pro League, highlighted the need for adaptability and alignment between regulation and real-world implementation. Moderated by Mona Elsaka, the session called for a united, future-oriented approach to sustain credibility and public trust.
The second panel, Playing for the Planet: Sport at the Heart of Sustainability & Social Impact, showcased Sport’s unique power to drive environmental stewardship and social progress. Speakers discussed strategies for reducing carbon footprints, advancing gender equity, and promoting inclusion through grassroots and elite initiatives. Contributions from organisations and leaders—including Heroes of Hope, The STA Group, Sport Impact Summit, The Bulb, and S-INC.World—demonstrated how intentional leadership and cross-sector collaboration can translate sport into measurable societal impact across communities.
A thought-provoking third panel, Values in Sport: Empowering Ability, Unity & Purpose, highlighted how integrity and shared values can transcend barriers and foster resilience. Paralympian Jessica Smith OAM PLY addressed perceptions surrounding athletes of determination and the need for systems that create real opportunity. Paralympic champion Mark Colbourne MBE reflected on the transformative power of resilience throughout his personal journey. Paulo Sousa, professional football coach and former international player, emphasised unity, respect, and psychological preparation as core values to ensure players and teams uphold integrity under pressure.
The final panel, The Future of Football in the Region, examined the unprecedented growth of football in the Middle East and the strategic considerations required to maintain momentum. Representatives from Qatar Stars League, Al Granada FC, and Palm City FC outlined expansion strategies, talent development pathways, and operational improvements to strengthen the ecosystem behind the game. The session reinforced that integrity, accountability, and planning remain essential to sustaining investment, cultivating talent, and strengthening the region’s global footprint.
A compelling keynote intervention by Dr. Mariam Mattar emphasized the central role of human development, health, and scientific progress in the evolution of sport.
The Sport Integrity Forum Asia – Dubai Chapter concluded with a shared message: the future of sport depends on collective responsibility, ethical leadership, and concrete action. With the discussions aligning closely with the newly launched SIGA ASIA platform, the Forum reaffirmed the region’s commitment to working together to shape a more transparent, responsible, and impactful sporting landscape for generations to come.
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ABOUT SIGA
SIGA is the world’s leading organisation for Sport Integrity. We are creating a whole new landscape for the sports industry by delivering independent global rating and certification for world Sport to ensure it is governed and operates under the highest integrity standards: The SIGA Universal Standards.
Funded by our Members, SIGA is a non for profit global independent organisation with one aim: To ensure the sport industry is governed under the highest integrity standards so that the values of sport are protected.
SIGA is the only organisation to bring together sport, governments, academia, international organisations, sponsors, business, rights holders, NGOs and professional services companies, from every region in the world, around a common cause of fostering greater integrity throughout sport.
SIGA is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, as a non for-profit association, and comprises of the following continental subsidiaries: SIGA AMERICA, SIGA EUROPE and SIGA LATIN AMERICA.
For more information on SIGA, including its vision, mission and reform agenda, please refer to the website: www.siga-sport.com and FAQs.
To contact SIGA, please email: comms@siga-sport.com.
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