Public–private partnerships (PPPs) continue to shape economic and social progress across the UAE and the wider GCC. In a recent panel discussion on collaboration between governments and the private sector, Palm Sports CEO Fouad Darwish shared compelling insights into the principles that make these partnerships successful and transformative. His remarks highlighted Palm Sports’ journey, its alignment with national objectives, and its commitment to long-term community development.
Palm Sports: A Model of Strategic Alignment
Fouad Darwish began by reflecting on Palm Sports’ growth from a specialized jiu-jitsu training company into the region’s leading authority on combat sports. The company launched with only 50 staff and today employs more than 21,000 team members, demonstrating both rapid expansion and deep community integration.
This growth, he noted, is linked to Palm Sports’ unique relationship with UAE government partners. The company operates with an intrinsic understanding of public-sector priorities, ensuring that its programs and services support youth development, social well-being, and national identity. Darwish emphasized that the private sector must not operate in isolation, but rather as a forward-looking contributor to national visions.
Forward-Looking Partnership, Not Reactive Participation
One of Darwish’s strongest messages was the need for private companies to be proactive:
“We are not alien to this community. Our understanding of the concerns of our government should be intrinsic to us.”
His comments underscored the importance of anticipating needs, contributing ideas, and viewing partnership as an ongoing obligation—not just a contractual relationship. True collaboration, he said, goes beyond communication; it requires coordination, shared goals, and synchronized execution.
Commercial Viability as a Foundation for Impact
Darwish also highlighted a critical reality often overlooked in discussions about PPPs: private-sector impact is only possible when a company is commercially strong and scalable.
For Palm Sports, commercial strength enables:
Recruitment of world-class trainers
Investment in expanding community programs
Delivery of high-quality services to schools and institutions
Long-term talent development in combat sports
He explained that Palm Sports’ ability to bring the best global expertise to the UAE is tied directly to its financial health, which supports sustainable growth and the ability to meet government expectations.
Shared Purpose and Equal Risk
Across the GCC, public–private partnerships have advanced from isolated projects to platforms that support nation-building. Darwish noted that both sectors must share accountability, share risks fairly, and commit to achieving measurable outcomes.
This shared purpose is especially important in regions like the UAE, where trust, reliability, and partnership culture drive long-term success.
The Non-Negotiable: Mutual Respect
When asked to identify the single most essential ingredient in any successful partnership, Darwish answered simply:
“Mutual respect.”
Respect, he said, is the foundation for trust, coordination, and shared commitment. It ensures that partnerships endure beyond short-term objectives and continue to serve future generations.
Conclusion
As Fouad Darwish emphasized, progress is not created in isolation. It emerges when public vision meets private execution, supported by trust, respect, and commercial strength. Palm Sports stands as a leading example of this model—shaping communities, empowering youth, and contributing to the UAE’s long-term development through disciplined, values-driven partnership.
