The sports award was launched in 2009 and named after the Sheikh, the constitutional monarch of Dubai as well as the Prime Minister and vice-president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It is one of the key initiatives from the Dubai Sports Council, chaired by the Sheikh, offering huge financial rewards across various sport-related categories.

Al-Sharif said that promoting sport is a huge priority across Dubai and that the awards give the oil rich country the ideal opportunity to donate money to the best possible causes.

"Sport is something that is hugely important in Dubai and something we are always looking to promote not only in our own country but across all Arab countries and around the world," the secretary general told insidethegames.

"We are fortunate to be in a strong financial position whereby we are able to put a lot of money into great sporting initiatives like the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Creative Sports Award.


"It was always our hope after we started the awards in 2009 that we could make them international and allow other nations to become involved to help their own sporting systems so we are delighted with how things are progressing."

The award itself honours all types of individuals and teams involved in sport including athletes, coaches, referees, administrators, clubs, institutions and academics.

Winners are selected for their commitment to be innovators in sport.

"This award is distinct from the others not only in terms of the financial rewards on offer but also for rewarding people for being creative in the world of sport.

"We are always encouraging innovative people in sport to apply because we want to reward them for the work they do in the area."

Click here for more information on the awards and how to apply for them.

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