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Dubai bags right to host ITF’s AGM in 2014

Thursday, Nov 22, 2012

Dubai: The International Tennis Federation (ITF), the world governing body for tennis, has voted in favour of the UAE to host its 2014 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The voting took place during the ITF Board of Directors meeting in Prague, following the conclusion of the Davis Cup Final between the Czech Republic and Spain last weekend.

The UAE outbid Egypt and Serbia to host the AGM and Dr Ahmad Al Sharif, General Secretary, Dubai Sports Council (DSC) was pleased to have such a prestigious meeting held here.

“The hosting of such an important meeting falls within the strategy and thinking of the Dubai Sports Council. We will ensure that all delegates attending this meeting go away happy with what Dubai and the UAE has to offer,” he said.

The ITF’s AGM is a major event in the international tennis calendar and is attended by delegates from all the member countries of the world governing body.

During the meeting, issues concerning all areas of the game will be discussed, including rules of the game and its development, competition, marketing, junior tennis, senior events, beach tennis, wheelchair tennis and anti-doping measures, among others.

This will be the first time that the ITF will be hosting its AGM in West Asia. Next year, the event will be held in Paris, coinciding with the ITF centenary celebrations.

Shaikh Hasher Al Maktoum, President, Tennis Emirates (TE), welcomed the decision and thanked the ITF board members for their support in staging such an event here.

“This is a proud moment for the UAE and for Dubai in particular and we are looking forward to welcome the tennis fraternity to Dubai in 2014,” Shaikh Hasher said.

The ITF President Francesco Ricci-Bitti expressed his satisfaction at the result of the voting, insisting that the UAE is a popular destination that offers unmatched infrastructure and facilities.

Nasser Madani, Board Member, TE, said the move had been a joint effort by Tennis Emirates, Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Convention Bureau.

“We are thankful for the support of the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Convention Bureau in securing the hosting and submitting a strong bid document that other contenders found difficult to be beat,” Madani said.

Hamad Bin Mejren, Executive Director, Business Tourism at the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), commented: “In a relatively short period of time, Dubai has built an excellent reputation as both a sporting and conference destination. The Dubai Convention Bureau is both proud and pleased to have been able to play a part in bringing this prestigious event to Dubai. We believe that this event will act as a springboard to further encourage similar events in the future.”

By Alaric Gomes Senior Reporter

Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.

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