Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Sports Leadership Development seeks wisdom from book on strategic planning

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Sports Leadership Development (HBMPSLD), an innovative leadership program designed to develop future sports national leaders capable of promoting the sustainable development of Dubai in the sports field, has announced that it has conducted yesterday (Wednesday, March 18, 2009) HBMPSLD's inaugural session of the Book Summary Review wherein program participants reviewed and discussed the ideas espoused by the ancient Chinese classic The Art of War by Sun Tzu. The Book Summary review serves as one of the periodic activities of HBMPSLD that aims to cultivate the participants' analytical, communication, comprehension and social skills.
The Art of War, written over two thousand years ago by the mysterious warrior-philosopher Sun Tzu, has been widely regarded as the most prestigious and influential book of strategy in the world, and has been eagerly studied by modern politicians, executives, military leaders and even athletes. The session helped HBMPSLD participants become more aware of the different elements that affect conflict in general, and how to deal with it wisely, honourably and victoriously.
Adel Al Shared, Executive Chairman of HBMPSLD said: "Strategy is a very important element in sports. As most of the HBMPSLD participants already have some background in different sporting fields, I have expected them to have some knowledge about strategy and its importance in achieving success. The book review session with Sun Tzu's The Art of War was designed to consolidate and deepen their understanding of the key concepts of strategy, and help them apply this knowledge in today's modern organisational and business environments. In their roles as future sports leaders, the HBMPSLD participants will not be spared of various conflicts; the knowledge they will gain from this session will surely prepare them for their challenging roles in different sporting organisations."
Saeed Al Budoor, General Manager of the UAE Golf Association, participant of HBMPSLD said: "Strategy is a very popular term in sports, but few people actually understand its concepts well enough. I am pleased that the book review sessions started with Sun Tzu's The Art of War as I believe that this book served as a very good guide for us to create and implement successful strategies as sports leaders."
Initiated by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Sports Leadership Development is an administrative and managerial leadership program for all sports fields. The key objectives of HBMPSLD include ensuring a long-term systematised leadership development in sports; initiating changes for a progressive and productive sport society under the ‘Change Agents Program’; convening an elite group of sports leaders to help participants in the program benefit from their experiences; sharing insights about individual leadership styles and values; and helping Dubai Government to successfully implement the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.
The program has been bolstered through a cooperation agreement with Britain's largest and most popular university, the University of Manchester. The move is expected to further develop HBMPSLD’s comprehensive training program and expand its educational resources.
The candidates for the program submitted their applications through HBMPSLD's newly launched website (www.dubaisportleaders.ae). Further details about the program and its different activities are also available on the HBMPSLD website.