In an exciting development for sports enthusiasts in the Philippines and the UAE, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao recently met with key officials from the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) to explore the future of sports collaboration between the two regions. The meeting, held at the Dubai Sports Council headquarters, brought together prominent figures from the DSC, including His Excellency Saeed Mohamed Harib, Secretary General of the DSC, and His Excellency Sayed Hareb, Head of the DSC.

Also attending the discussions were Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of the DSC, Ali Omar, Director of the Events Department, and Khalid Al Awar, Director of Marketing and Communications at the DSC. The focus of the meeting was to discuss the potential for exciting new sports events and initiatives in Dubai, with a strong emphasis on boxing and basketball.

One of the key announcements made during the meeting was that the first two games of the 2024 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Championship will be held in Dubai. This marks a historic milestone in the league’s international expansion and highlights the growing influence of Filipino sports in the global arena.

In addition to the MPBL games, both Pacquiao and DSC officials discussed the possibility of establishing boxing and basketball academies in Dubai. These academies would serve as a platform for nurturing young talent and promoting sports development in the region, helping to create a sustainable sports culture that encourages participation at all levels.

Pacquiao, who has long been a passionate advocate for sports development, expressed his excitement about the collaboration and his commitment to contributing to the growth of sports in the UAE. He highlighted the importance of fostering talent and building strong relationships through sports, noting that this collaboration would not only benefit aspiring athletes but also strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the Philippines and Dubai.

“We are excited about the prospects of working together with the Dubai Sports Council to bring world-class sports events and training programs to Dubai,” said Pacquiao. “This collaboration will not only strengthen the ties between our countries but also provide new opportunities for aspiring athletes.”

As the meeting concluded, both Pacquiao and the Dubai Sports Council officials shared a vision for the future of sports in Dubai, aiming to create lasting partnerships and inspire the next generation of athletes. With plans for more international events and sports development initiatives, the future of sports collaboration between the Philippines and Dubai looks bright.