Japan Sport Tourism Alliance

The partnership agreement has been signed between Dubai World Trade Centre ( DWTC ) and Dubai Sports Council to further cement Dubai's status as a world-class sports tourism destination and capital.

According to a media statement, DWTC and Dubai Sports Council signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to co-operate on aiding the Government of Dubai's immediate and long-term sporting objectives and develop the emirate's sports sector.

The UAE recently hosted the first leg of the ongoing Indian Premier League 7 cricket tournament that saw fans throng stadiums in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. A total of 20 IPL 7 T20 matches were played in the UAE as locations across India were unavailable owing to the country's national elections.

The MoU between DWTC and Dubai Sports Council will see the two entities share expert knowledge and collaborate on a series of co-operative initiatives including the creation of grassroots and fitness programmes to support the local community, co-provide world-class sports facilities and host headline sporting events to aid Dubai's status as a world-class sports tourism destination and capital, the statement noted.

The first part of the agreement will see Dubai Sport Council act as the strategic partner of Dubai Sport World - the emirate's largest indoor summer sports venue - which returns to DWTC from June 12 to August 30, 2014.

"This partnership will enable Dubai Sports Council to continue developing Dubai's sports sector by organising and hosting prestigious sporting events at Dubai World Trade Centre , " said Dr. Ahmed Al Sharif.

"This collaboration creates a team with the required resources and experience to provide the highest level of sports facilities and experts to improve the skill-sets of professional and amateur athletes at Dubai Sports World."

Spanning more than 20, 000m² of indoor space, Dubai Sports World will occupy Sheikh Saeed Halls 1 and 2 and the multi-purpose Trade Centre Arena. The expansive venue will feature eight, pro-standard pitches for five or seven-a-side football and rugby, six badminton courts, one volleyball court, three basketball courts, one tennis court, a skate-boarding and BMX park, a state-of-the-art gym, a 600-metre running track and tiered seating for over 1, 200 spectators.

A soaring climbing wall is also being introduced this year, while a cricket pitch is back following popular demand. In addition, the free-to-enter Entertainment Zone will feature 12 table tennis tables, four pool tables and two foosball tables.

"This important alliance strengthens the foundations of Dubai Sports World and ensures this popular and engaging summer activation will continue providing world-class sporting facilities for residents and visitors for years to come, " said Ahmed Alkhaja, Senior Vice President - Venues, DWTC .