United Arab Emirates University Hosted the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Sports (ICAIS 2026)

In Collaboration with Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club

International Conference Brings Together Experts from the UAE, Japan and South Korea to Explore Performance Analysis, Smart Training and Responsible Innovation

The International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Sports (ICAIS 2026), organised by the College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (CCAI) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), in collaboration with Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club, commenced yesterday. The conference is being held on 12–13 October at the Crescent Building on UAEU’s campus in Al Ain.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to H.H the President of the UAE and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University welcomed the conference participants and commended the effective partnership with Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club. He emphasised that the conference aligns with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which focuses on developing talent, advancing scientific research, supporting practical applications and strengthening governance. He also highlighted the responsibility of universities to prepare qualified professionals capable of leveraging modern technologies and translating academic knowledge into innovative solutions that serve society.

The conference explores the application of artificial intelligence technologies to advance the sports sector, enhance training and performance, and strengthen collaboration among researchers, athletes and coaches. It also addresses issues of trust, privacy, fairness and safety in the use of athletes’ data.

The event brings together leading experts and researchers from the UAE, Japan and South Korea, including Professor Keisuke Fujii and Professor Shingo Shimoda of Nagoya University in Japan; Professor Keita Watanabe of Kokugakuin University in Japan; and engineer Hyunsung Kim of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). UAE-based experts are also participating, including Dr. Abrar Abdulnabi of SAL.AI, Dr. Hamad Al Karkhi of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, and Professor Nazar Zaki and Abdulsamad Taredeen of UAEU. Through panel discussions and presentations, participants are exploring player data analytics, smart training and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in UAE sports.

Chaired by Prof. Fady Alnajjar, the conference sessions cover a range of specialised topics, including performance analytics and player tracking; computer vision and biomechanics for motion analysis; wearable devices and sensors; physiological monitoring; injury prediction, prevention and rehabilitation; AI-powered training and tactics; and talent identification and athlete development. The programme also examines AI applications in sports broadcasting, fan engagement, tournament and facility management, as well as ethical considerations, fairness, privacy and the responsible use of intelligent technologies in sports.

Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club is also presenting practical insights and experiences in AI-powered sports innovation through joint initiatives with UAEU, including the Football AI Hackathon. These initiatives support the adoption of advanced technologies and encourage greater community engagement in sports.

The conference reflects the UAE’s strategic direction in artificial intelligence, in alignment with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. It also reinforces the University’s role in developing national talent and promoting interdisciplinary scientific research. The event coincides with UAEU’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, reaffirming its commitment to exploring emerging scientific fields and supporting the nation’s development.