Listen to the article
A sports delegation from the Republic of Turkey visited Al Emarat Club in Ras Al Khaimah to strengthen international sports relations and explore opportunities for sports cooperation. The visit focused on enhancing bilateral collaboration in multiple athletic disciplines and exchanging expertise between the two nations.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the Turkish delegation was received by Mahmoud Hassan Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Emarat Club, and Ayman Haroun, the club’s Executive Director. The meeting aimed to discuss coordination mechanisms and identify areas for joint development in various sporting sectors.
Sports Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange
During the visit, both parties explored several avenues for sports collaboration between the UAE and Turkey. Discussions centered on the exchange of technical and administrative expertise, as well as studying opportunities for cooperation in training and qualification programs. These initiatives are designed to enhance athletic performance and strengthen future partnerships in the sports sector.
The international sports relations initiative reflects Al Emarat Club’s commitment to building strategic connections with regional and global sporting institutions. However, specific timelines and implementation details for the proposed cooperation programs were not disclosed during the initial meetings.
Distinguished Turkish Sports Delegation
The visiting delegation included prominent figures from Turkey’s sports community. Metin Korkmaz, President of Adana Demir Spor and its football director, led the group alongside Olgun Aydin, former president of Giresun Spor who has also served as president of several premier league football clubs in Macedonia, Bosnia, and Belgium.
Additionally, the delegation featured world-renowned combat sports champions. Erhan Deniz, a two-time world champion in kickboxing and four-time European champion in Muay Thai, represented Turkey’s martial arts excellence. Meanwhile, his compatriot Nurhayat Deniz brought an impressive record as one of the world’s most accomplished female fighters.
According to the report, Nurhayat Deniz has claimed four world championship titles and six European championships across kickboxing and Muay Thai disciplines. She has also won one European boxing championship and has been crowned Turkish national champion 28 times, demonstrating sustained excellence in combat sports.
Strategic Vision for International Sports Relations
Mahmoud Hassan Al Shamsi emphasized that the visit aligns with Al Emarat Cultural Sports Club’s dedication to establishing strategic relationships with international sports organizations. The chairman indicated that learning from successful global experiences serves the club’s development trajectory and contributes to elevating the broader sports ecosystem in the UAE.
In contrast to one-time exchanges, the proposed cooperation framework suggests long-term engagement between Turkish and Emirati sporting institutions. The presence of both football administrators and individual athletes in the delegation signals potential collaboration across team sports and individual athletic disciplines.
Broader Implications for UAE Sports Development
The meeting represents part of a broader trend of UAE sports clubs seeking international partnerships to accelerate development. By engaging with experienced Turkish sports professionals who have worked across multiple European leagues, Al Emarat Club gains access to diverse perspectives on sports administration and athlete development.
Furthermore, the inclusion of elite combat sports athletes in the delegation opens possibilities for knowledge transfer in martial arts training methodologies. The visitors’ combined expertise spans football management, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing, offering a wide foundation for potential sports cooperation initiatives.
The club has not yet announced specific follow-up meetings or concrete agreements resulting from the Turkish delegation’s visit. Authorities have not confirmed when formal cooperation programs might commence or what specific sports disciplines will be prioritized in the partnership framework.
