Dubai Sports Council and the “Desert Vipers” team have announced that they are joining forces to drive forward sustainability in sport.
Through the new partnership, Dubai Sports Council is the Lead Partner in the Desert Vipers’ Sustainability Programme.
The Desert Vipers is a cricket team that plays in the UAE’s own Twenty20 competition, the DP World ILT20.
Further, the partnership saw the Dubai Sports Council endorse the Vipers’ Sustainability Match at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, 3 February.
The match against the Gulf Giants, a repeat of the final match of the inaugural tournament in 2023, took place in the presence of sustainability departments of more than 80 UAE businesses.
Looking ahead, Dubai Sports Council will also be the key contributor to a Sustainability in Sport Summit in Dubai in late 2024 in the presence of Desert Vipers owner Avram Glazer.
Dubai Sports Council will also play a key role in supporting the Desert Vipers’ schools programme, which is introducing the sport of cricket and the issue of sustainability into Arab and international schools across the Emirate of Dubai in association with Sports Spirit Events LLC.
Last week, His Excellency Saeed Hareb, the Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, welcomed Avram Glazer, and the Desert Vipers team and other attendees to Dubai Sports Council headquarters.
HE Saeed Hareb said: “An agreement has been reached to unify efforts, focusing on integrating sustainability applications in sports stadiums and tournaments. This collaboration will encompass awareness campaigns and practical applications to make events and sports more sustainable and environmentally friendly.”
He added: “Dubai has already set a precedent by organizing international events, such as the European Golf Tour Championship – Road to Dubai and the SAIL GP race, that adhere to sustainability standards. Today, we proudly announce the addition of new cricket tournaments in cooperation with “Desert Vipers”.
“Looking ahead, our commitment extends to expanding this initiative to include various sports, tournaments, and facilities. Our goal is to spread the practice of sports and elevate its societal status, promoting health and happiness for everyone.”
Commenting on the partnership between the Desert Vipers and the Dubai Sports Council, Desert Vipers owner, Avram Glazer, said: “This is a proud day, a landmark day for the Desert Vipers, to join with the Dubai Sports Council in addressing the fundamentally important opportunity to promote sustainability in sport.
“We are thankful for the far-sighted approach of the Dubai Sports Council in joining with us to lead the way in this matter. Together we will set the path for others to follow.”
CEO of the Desert Vipers, Philip Oliver, said: “Our partnership is a perfect coming together of two organisations with shared objectives – namely, the fast-forwarding of sustainability in sport in Dubai and, more broadly, the UAE, and contributing to the future of sports movements worldwide.
“Both the Desert Vipers and the Dubai Sports Council are aware that we are in a position to influence behaviour that will help safeguard the environment and allow sport to be played, watched and enjoyed for now and for the future.
“By acting together, we will create meaningful change for sustainability in sport in Dubai and the UAE.
“I would like to extend our sincere thanks to our local partner, Sports Spirit Events LLC, for facilitating this exciting partnership.”
Saif Mohammed, Founder and Chairman of Sports Spirit Events (LLC), commented: “Together, we aim to drive positive change and set a precedent for environmentally conscious practices in the realm of sports through different community engagement and outreach initiatives.”
It was noted that the Desert Vipers have eschewed the use of single-use plastic water bottles from their dressing room, replacing them with reusable bottles filled with locally sourced water, while, more broadly, the Dubai Government has banned single-use plastic bags.
Plastic bottle recycling also took place at the venue for the first time on Saturday.
The Vipers have also undertaken an extensive education programme across schools in the Emirate, in keeping with DSC’s mandate to nurture talent.
The Desert Vipers were also the first Dubai-based sports organisation to sign up to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action framework.
Later this year, under the auspices of this partnership, the first Sustainability in Sport Summit and Awards Dinner will be held with Avram Glazer in attendance, the details of which will be announced in due course, it was shared.