Abu Dhabi, UAE: The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) signed a partnership agreement with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi on 30 January. The objective of the partnership is, in particular, to organise the FIFA/CIES Programme in sport management in the United Arab Emirates.
After fruitful discussions, Paris Sorbonne University - Abu Dhabi , ADSC and CIES signed a partnership agreement with a view to organising the FIFA/CIES Programme in sport management. The Programme will allow students from the United Arab Emirates and the surrounding region (in particular Gulf Cooperation Council countries) to acquire fundamental tools in the field of sport management (law, management, communication, sport event management, marketing, sponsorship and finance). The Programme will also offer participants the opportunity to attend conferences given by international experts on various aspects of sport today.
"Over more than a decade, we have observed the emergence of new geographical regions where sport is successfully developed and rolled out. CIES could not ignore this progress and we are very pleased today to be able to implement this important project in Abu Dhabi with two partners who are both prestigious and motivated", explained CIES President Bertrand Reeb during the press conference.
For his part, Professor Eric Fouache, Vice-Chancellor of Paris Sorbonne University - Abu Dhabi, the academic partner, commented: "This Programme in sport management will lend new dynamics to the higher education curriculum; in particular, it will help participating students achieve goals through the five main management functions (planning, organising, staffing, leading and controlling."
Furthermore, Pr. Fouache explained that those who join the Programme will benefit from top-level education and training in sport management. He added that CIES and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council chose Sorbonne Abu Dhabi to host this programme, which is a clear indication of the University’s global position and the trust its partners have placed in it. This establishes its positioning as a leading university. He explained that Sorbonne Abu Dhabi will be providing students with a high-level academic programme including practical case studies. The Programme will also feature a number of guests who will come to share their experience and a number of field visits in an international learning environment. The Programme is a unique opportunity to meet top-level executive officials from international federations, clubs, agencies and organising committees. Students will therefore have the chance to network and develop their contacts, which are key levers for a successful career in sport.
In conclusion, H.E. Mohamed E. Al Mahmood, Secretary General of the ADSC and project initiator, made the following remarks: "We are very proud and honoured to partner with CIES and PSUAD. In accordance with ADSC objectives, we contribute to developing the sports sector in our country in compliance with the highest international standards. We join forces with such esteemed organisations for the purpose of creating, primarily for current and future potential managers of the sports world, a high-level programme in sport management in the UAE which will combine the expertise, experience, image and support of prestigious individuals from the academic and sport world. This agreement is aimed mainly at managers in national governing bodies, clubs, associations, agencies and industries related to the world of sport in the UAE."
Paris Sorbonne University - Abu Dhabi is the fifteenth university to join the FIFA/CIES International University Network which already has academic partners in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Peru, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey and Venezuela.
The first edition of the Programme organised by PSUAD will start in September 2014.
© Press Release 2014