The opening ceremony at the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah was also attended by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Ruler, Vice President and Prime minister, Jordan's Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein who is the president of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), member of the International Olympic Committee and president of the SportAccord Convention's Organizing Committee, and Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee.
    This ceremony brought together several sports figures and was marked by music concerts and Emirati traditional dancing.
    Over 1,500 sports personalities and 70 exhibitors from 60 countries will take part in the three-day convention, which will examine issues relating to the organization of international sports events.