The International Group of Artificial Intelligence (IGOAI) summit, organized by GEC Media Group, successfully took place in Bahrain under the distinguished patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.
The high-profile event, known as the Bahrain Sports Summit, brought together global experts, innovators, sports leaders, and key stakeholders to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of sports across performance, fan engagement, operations, and governance.
A Visionary Start
The summit was inaugurated with an impactful opening address by HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa,H.E. Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, who emphasized Bahrain’s commitment to technological innovation in sports and its investment in the youth of the region through future-ready platforms.
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HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa First Deputy President Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of General Sports Authority, and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee
Delivering a powerful keynote, H.E. Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, discussed regional strategies for empowering youth and fostering innovation through collaborative digital transformation in the sports sector.
“In a momentous time for international sport, digital transformation is a key driver. Artificial intelligence is no longer a luxury—it is a strategic necessity,” he said.
“With the global AI market in sports projected to grow from $1.03 billion in 2024 to $2.61 billion by 2030, at an annual growth rate of 16.17%, institutions around the world are embracing AI to improve decision-making and enhance performance.”
Welcome by IGOAI and Global Thought Leadership
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Dr. Jassim Haji, President, IGOAI Community
In his welcome note, Dr. Jassim Haji, President of IGOAI, underscored the significance of AI’s role in modern sports, highlighting how the summit serves as a global hub for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and innovation.
The summit featured groundbreaking sessions led by internationally renowned speakers:
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Dr. Silvio Giancola, Research Scientist at King Abdullah | University of Science and Technology
Dr. Silvio Giancola, Research Scientist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), presented a session titled “Temporal Analysis in Football: A Journey from SoccerNet to the KAUST-FIFA Research Institute”, outlining advanced data techniques in football analytics.
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Prof. Ernesto Damiani, Senior Director of the Khalifa University Center for Cyber Physical Systems
Prof. Ernesto Damiani, Senior Director at Khalifa University’s Center for Cyber Physical Systems, introduced the MUSA approach, a machine learning model focused on behaviour and lifestyle analysis to optimize athlete wellbeing and performance.
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Pedro Fernandes Mestriner, CEO and Co-Founder | Horizm
Pedro Fernandes Mestriner, CEO and Co-Founder of Horizm, delivered a practical case study showcasing real-world applications of AI in sports monetization, audience growth, and digital transformation.
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Dr. Chan Yeun, Cybersecurity Leader of Center for Cyber Physical Systems, Khalifa University
Dr. Chan Yeun, Cybersecurity Leader at Khalifa University, addressed Metaverse and Blockchain Applications in E-Sports, presenting key innovations and cybersecurity frameworks for emerging virtual ecosystems.
Dr. Anthony Cioppa, Researcher at the University of Liège (ULiège), concluded the speaker sessions with insights on bottom-up AI approaches for solving complex sports-related challenges using scalable, intelligent systems.
A Catalyst for Innovation and Growth
The Bahrain Sports Summit, powered by GEC Media and IGOAI, served as a vital platform for forging new partnerships, advancing digital capabilities, and driving AI adoption across the sports landscape in the Middle East and beyond.
