Khaberni - The integration of artificial intelligence applications in sports represents one of the most prominent qualitative transformations that the global sports sector is experiencing.
The expansion in the use of smart technologies in the fields of management, training, investment, and tournament organization will contribute to enhancing performance efficiency and improving the work environment in sports at various levels.
Today, artificial intelligence has become a central part of the sports industry, having moved beyond its analytical role to become a tool for planning, decision making, forecasting, and performance analysis, in addition to its role in developing fan experiences and improving the operational management of sports institutions.
International reports indicate that the size of the sports artificial intelligence market is expected to rise from about 2.4 billion dollars in 2024 to more than 3 billion dollars in 2025, with expectations surpassing 30 billion dollars by 2033, with an annual growth rate exceeding 30%.
The most prominent fields in which artificial intelligence has made a qualitative leap include performance analysis, injury prediction, training load management and recovery, tactics during competitions, in addition to developing the fan experience and providing specialized content based on real-time data.
In the UAE, sports institutions are rapidly advancing to harness artificial intelligence in developing sports activities, translating their national strategy in digital transformation.
The Ministry of Sports launched the "Sportify" platform, which represents a comprehensive digital system to support federations, clubs, and athletes with artificial intelligence tools and smart analytics, enhancing operational efficiency and aligning with the country's goals in sports innovation, representing a qualitative leap in the UAE sports scene.
Several quality initiatives have been witnessed in the UAE sports arena, including a partnership between Emirates Team "Holding - ADQ for Cycling" and "Analog" company to provide the team with performance analysis platforms and strategy management, contributing to enhancing athletes' readiness and improving decision-making processes.
In the motorsport sector, the UAE company "G42" is working on introducing artificial intelligence solutions in Formula 1 races in cooperation with global teams, aiming to enhance performance and analyze data instantly, while the International Paralympic Committee, in cooperation with UAE entities, is moving towards employing artificial intelligence in the medical classification of Para sports to ensure fairness and develop the tools used in competitions.
Experts confirm that the UAE possesses an advanced digital infrastructure that qualifies it to be a leading model in smart sports transformation, through the integration of artificial intelligence in training, talent scouting, refereeing, and championship management, as well as moving towards launching research platforms and innovation labs that contribute to shaping the future of smart sports in the region.
Majid Al Usaimi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee and member of the International Paralympic Committee, affirmed that artificial intelligence represents the future of Para sports, pointing out that the International Paralympic Committee is working on integrating this technology into its upcoming developmental plans and programs.
He explained that artificial intelligence applications will play a pivotal role in the fields of medical classification and developing sports tools used in Paralympic competitions, contributing to achieving fairness and equal opportunities among all participants.
Al Usaimi confirmed that the UAE, with its credibility in the International Paralympic Committee, is qualified to be a research center and an advanced platform for leading initiatives related to the use of artificial intelligence in Paralympic sports.
On her part, Noura Darwish, the Executive Director for Artificial Intelligence at the Ministry of Sports, said, "Employing artificial intelligence in the sports sector represents a strategic step towards building a more efficient and innovative sports ecosystem."
She said that the ministry is working on accelerating smart transformation through distinctive initiatives like the "Sportify" platform that enables federations, clubs, and athletes to make precise data-driven decisions, enhances governance, improves performance, and opens new prospects for employing advanced techniques in training, talent discovery, and performance analysis, thereby consolidating the country's position as a global center for smart sports and future industries.
In turn, Dr. Ahmad Saad Al Sharif, President of the Athletes Association in the UAE, confirmed that artificial intelligence represents a true qualitative leap in the world of sports, contributing to changing the rules of the game at the level of training, preparation, and technical analysis.
He explained that employing artificial intelligence technologies has become a fundamental pillar in developing sports performances, through analyzing players' data and customizing training and nutritional programs, predicting injuries before they occur, and analyzing competitors' performance with high precision, which contributes to enhancing athletes' efficiency and achieving unprecedented results.
He noted that modern sports is not only based on physical effort, but has also become a field for the integration of technology and human intellect, confirming that the future will witness a greater expansion in the use of artificial intelligence to enhance performance, reduce injuries, and enable athletes to achieve their utmost levels.
