Faris Alzaabi is a highly accomplished professional with over seven years of experience in the sports industry, recognized for his exceptional contributions to sports development, talent identification, and sports diplomacy. His extensive linguistic skills, including native/bilingual proficiency in English, Arabic, Spanish, and French, have enabled him to excel in international contexts. Faris has played a pivotal role in planning and managing sports development projects and has collaborated with governmental and non-governmental entities to organize major international events, including the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022, the 2019 Special Olympics World Games, the 2019 Asian Football Cup, and the 2017 USIP World Police Games. His expertise extends to providing administrative and operational oversight to intercollegiate athletics programs, with a keen eye for cultural nuances.

Career Experience

Sports Enrichment Program Manager (05/2023 – Present) Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, Abu Dhabi, UAE In his current role, Faris is responsible for developing and implementing the School Sports Program for Abu Dhabi Private, Charter, and Public Schools. He plays a crucial role in managing various aspects of sports participation, athlete development pathways, and capacity building. Faris also manages stakeholder relationships, aligning with Abu Dhabi Sports Vision 2040 and UAE 2031 National Sports Strategy in schools.

Athletics Operations & External Relations Manager (08/2021 – 04/2023) New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE During his tenure at NYU Abu Dhabi, Faris excelled in managing and developing community relationships through the activation of the campus’s athletic facilities. He led major initiatives, such as hosting NBA teams for practice facilities and managing the Uruguayan Football Association FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 training camp. Faris also played a vital role in strategizing ways to attract international sporting events to NYU Abu Dhabi while ensuring the safety and compliance of athletic facilities.

International Triathlete (8/2018 – Present) UAE Triathlon Association & Tri-Penta Terras de Lugo Abu Dhabi, UAE & Galicia, Spain Faris Alzaabi made history as the first Emirati to pursue Triathlon professionally. He represented the UAE in Triathlon and competed in the Spanish Triathlon League, even earning the Spanish National Triathlon Coaching Certification (Level 3). His training in Spain and dedication to long-term athlete development programs led him to earn the UAE’s first continental medal in Duathlon.

Intercollegiate Athletics & External Sports Relations Manager (4/2016 – 8/2018) New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE In this role, Faris provided crucial administrative and programming support to the Department of Athletics. He maintained strong relationships with external sports organizations and was instrumental in securing the host city bid for the 2019 Special Olympics World Games. His adaptability to diverse cultural contexts and operational oversight for an intercollegiate athletics program spanning over 85 nationalities demonstrated his versatility.

Additional Experience Faris’s commitment to sports extends beyond his professional roles, as he has also volunteered and worked in various sports-related positions, including as a Team Liaison Officer, a Community Volunteer, and a Physiotherapy Assistant.

Education Faris Alzaabi is currently pursuing a Master’s in Sports Industry Management at Georgetown University, with an expected graduation date in December 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Minor in Psychology from the University of Victoria in Canada.

Professional Training Faris’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in his professional training, which includes the Sports Leadership Empowerment Program, the Spanish Diploma DELE C1, and the National Triathlon Coach Level 3 certification, among others.

Faris Alzaabi’s remarkable career in the sports industry, coupled with his linguistic skills and dedication to athlete development, positions him as a prominent figure in the world of sports diplomacy and sports management. His pursuit of excellence as an international triathlete further underscores his passion for sports and athletic achievement.