Governance of Sports Institutions in the United Arab Emirates: Between Global Standards and the Authenticity of Islamic Civilizational Values

HRMARS - This study aims to examine the governance of sports institutions in the United Arab Emirates in light of the integration between global governance standards and the authenticity of Islamic civilizational values. It does so by analyzing the conceptual framework of sports governance, assessing its implementation within Emirati sports institutions, and exploring mechanisms to strengthen this integration in a manner that enhances institutional efficiency without compromising value-based identity. The study reviews key global governance principles, including transparency, accountability, and efficiency, and evaluates the extent to which sports institutions in the UAE have adopted these principles, supported by national legislation and policies. The research also highlights the role of Islamic civilizational values, such as justice, integrity, consultation, and responsibility, in reinforcing governance and providing an ethical dimension that enhances its effectiveness and regulates institutional practices. Furthermore, it proposes a set of mechanisms to achieve integration between global standards and Islamic values, including the development of regulatory frameworks, the promotion of value-based leadership, the activation of codes of conduct, and the establishment of value-driven oversight systems. At the same time, the study addresses key challenges facing this approach, such as the gap between formal regulations and practical implementation, competitive pressures, and the difficulty of reconciling international standards with cultural specificity. The study concludes that the Emirati model of sports governance represents a balanced approach that combines organizational modernity with value authenticity, and that strengthening this integration is essential for ensuring the sustainability of sports institutions and enhancing their role in societal development and the promotion of civilizational values.