Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo Dubai - Arab Today The 8th Dubai International Sports Conference got underway yesterday on a positive with participation of the luminaries and top stars of the world's most popular game. The Conference - held under title 'Empowering the Future of Football' and patronage of the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council - underscores the UAE's status as a pre-eminent global sports hub. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal ace is participating for second time in the two-day conference, having previously spoken at the 2011 edition. Organisers say Ronaldo's return to participate in this event reflects the high international status achieved by the conference. Also added to the list of speakers were legendary ex-Liverpool and Wales striker Ian Rush and former Italian referee Pierluigi Collina. Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola and his club president Uli Hoeness; former England manager and head coach of Russia, Fabio Capello; Juventus coach Antonio Conte; Spain and Barcelona midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez; are attending the glittering function. The conference will be debating the development of football facilities and outlining local models in this regard. Sunday's sessions kick off with officials such as Senes Erzik, Vice-President of Uefa, talking about how Uefa and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) enjoy a fruitful partnership. Then, Liverpool striker Ian Rush, now working as an ambassador for the Reds, will be among those speaking about global investment in football and youth development. Source: WAM