The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Sports Council to bolster cooperation and unify efforts between the two entities by leveraging their respective tools, capabilities, and expertise.

The MoU was signed by HE Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, and HE Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, in the presence of senior officials and staff from both entities.

The agreement aims to develop and implement joint sports programmes and events tailored for labour groups, fostering a sustainable sports environment and promoting a culture of volunteering. It also includes consolidating and expanding cooperation in sports events under the ‘Sports Volunteering’ initiative and ensuring continuous coordination on Emirate-wide sports activities involving labour groups.

Key aspects of the cooperation include creating sports programmes and events suited to labour groups, providing sports facilities, and offering necessary support to ensure their success. The agreement also involves sharing event data, coordinating labour group participation, and providing technical consultations.

HE Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri stressed that GDRFA Dubai is committed to enhancing public health and fitness among employees, workers, and the community, adding that the MoU will facilitate innovative sports programmes and initiatives that promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle, support sustainable development goals, and improve public well-being and life quality.

Meanwhile, HE Saeed Hareb expressed pride in integrating workers into the Council’s annual events, adding that the agreement will facilitate multiple events, with the ‘Workers’ Sports Tournament’ being a highlight. Under the motto ‘Their Happiness is Our Goal’, the tournament will host 40,000 workers from 275 companies, competing in 11 different sports at 10 venues across Dubai.”