Dubai to welcome International Tennis Federation in 2014
The Dubai Convention Bureau (DCB), a division of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), has announced that the UAE has been successful in its bid to host the 2014 Annual General Meeting of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The vote, which selected Dubai as the successful tender, was taken during the ITF Board of Directors meeting in Prague following the conclusion of the Davis Cup Final between Spain and the Czech Republic.
The ITF AGM is one of the most important events on the international tennis calendar and the bid to host AGM 2014 was heatedly contested between UAE, Egypt and Serbia. The meeting brings together delegates from all of ITF’s member countries to discuss every facet of tennis ranging from the development of the game, its marketing, as well as rule changes and amendments. Various categories, such as junior, senior, wheelchair, and professional international competition are also discussed, as well as serious issues affecting the game for instance the use of performance enhancing substances.
Commenting on the occasion, Khalid Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Director General of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: "DTCM is continually working to promote Dubai as a premier tourism, business, and convention destination and we are delighted to host the Annual General Meeting of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Sport enjoys special importance here in Dubai, with the city having built a global reputation for hosting first class international sporting events due to its ultra-modern infrastructure and its excellent positioning. This meeting is one of the most important events on the ITF calendar and Dubai is certainly an ideal destination for any event of this scale."
Speaking about their role in securing Dubai as ITF’s AGM destination for 2014, Dr Ahmad Al Sharif, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said, "The UAE offers unmatched infrastructure and facilities and has become favourite destination amongst the international sporting community. The Dubai Sports Council continues to work to attract high level sporting events to Dubai and we are delighted to be able to host the ITF here in our Emirate. We are especially thankful to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the Dubai Sports Council for his continued and unswerving support and wise direction, which played a pivotal role in bringing this event to Dubai, ensuring both its success and that AGM 2014 will act as a springboard to further encourage similar events in the future."
Nasser Madani, Board member of Tennis Emirates, thanked the board members of the ITF for their support of the UAE’s bid, stating, "The UAE is internationally known as a country of firsts, biggests, and best, with Dubai undeniably leading the field in the region. Dubai’s excellent infrastructure, high service levels, and exceptional inter-departmental cooperation all played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this bid. We thank the ITF for their confidence in our capabilities as well as the many stakeholders who worked together to ensure that AGM 2014 found a home in Dubai and look forward to welcoming all of the ITF delegates in 2014 for what will undoubtedly be the most successful AGM on record."
The Dubai Convention Bureau is a non-profit government funded department, whose aim is to further develop and increase Dubai’s share of the international MICE and special events markets, whilst maximizing the economic prospects of Dubai. The DCB is dedicated to pursue and win events through national and international promotions to advance the position of the Emirate as a leading business tourism destination.
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Emirate: Dubai
Date: Nov 27, 2012
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