Palms Sports has taken a big step to change youth sports in the UAE. The company has signed new agreements with football star Ronaldinho, jiu-jitsu legend Renzo Gracie, and the international group Ion Bridge. These deals aim to bring new ways to train and develop young talent in football, jiu-jitsu, and other sports.
Sheikh Zayed bin Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed the agreements. The plan is to bring top-level knowledge and coaching straight into the UAE sports scene. This is not just another partnership. The goal is to give young athletes real chances to learn from the best and to open up access to elite training and mentorship.
According to UAE Cue Sports, Palms Sports recently extended its national jiu-jitsu school programme through 2029, with a budget of AED 600.5 million, reaching 150,000 students across 279 schools and nearly 500 coaches.
With these memoranda of understanding, all sides will work together to create new programmes and projects. They want to spot and support rising talent. The aim is simple: give UAE youth direct access to international professionals and raise the level of sports education and innovation in the country.
Sheikh Zayed bin Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan said he is proud of these agreements. He made it clear that the UAE only enters partnerships that serve the nation and build unity. He wants to push jiu-jitsu, football, and other sports forward, making sure Emirati athletes learn from global legends.
Palms Sports CEO Fouad Darwish agreed. He said the company is committed to a strong system under visionary leadership. He pointed out that all partners believe in the power of youth and the need to build an environment where young people can succeed and reach their best.
Independent reviews confirm that Palms Sports has also signed a long-term agreement with the UAE Chess Federation to expand chess programmes and tournaments, involving more than 400 schools in Abu Dhabi. This demonstrates the company's active role in mass sports development beyond just one discipline.
Ronaldinho, the famous Brazilian footballer, said he is excited to be in the UAE and to work with Palms Sports. He wants to help develop football and support young talent through this new partnership.
The details of the new programmes have not been shared yet. But these agreements are just the start of a bigger plan. More information about the projects will come soon. The goal is to open up new chances for young Emirati athletes.
This move fits with the UAE's wider strategy of using international expertise to speed up sports progress. Dr Ahmed Al Falasi reported earlier on the country's ambitions at the Asian Games. These new deals show the UAE's drive to become a centre for sports excellence and youth development.
By bringing together Ronaldinho, Renzo Gracie, Ion Bridge, and the local vision of Palms Sports, the UAE is doing more than just signing papers. It is setting up a new path for young athletes to learn from the best and get direct mentorship. This is a clear step to invest in youth and set a new standard for sports growth in the region.
