Lebanese basketball star Fadi el Khatib shared a post on his Instagram thanking the Dubai Sports Council for appointing him as a sports ambassador for the city of Dubai, and showing his gratitude for this great recognition. The announcement was made during the “Dubai Sports Retreat” at the futuristic Museum of the Future, which is aimed at strengthening “Dubai’s sporting reputation and promote active, healthy lifestyles across the city”.

Khatib will be joined by few select Arab & international athletes to become sports ambassadors for Dubai.

Here’s what he said to celebrate the occasion:

I am truly honored and overjoyed to be appointed as Dubai Sports Ambassador, especially receiving this recognition from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum @faz3 and Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum @mansoormrm .

I would like to express my heartfelt love and appreciation for the incredible work my dear friend @kbelhoul is doing for sports. I am also grateful for the trust that the Dubai Sports Council @dubaisc has placed in me. A special thanks to my friend Saeed Al Hareb @saeedhareb for his unwavering support for us and sports in Dubai.

As I represent Lebanon during these challenging times, I am committed to doing so in the best way possible. My goal is to raise our flag even higher, just as I have always strived to do. I pray everyday for the war to end and for our people to go back safely to their homes.

To the Dubai Sports Council, I want to acknowledge your outstanding support. Dubai has shown me nothing but love and appreciation, and I am dedicated to doing my utmost to support the community in every possible way. @harbhajan3 @mirzasaniar @patrice.evra @khabib_nurmagomedov @therealbac