Real Madrid Legend Michel Salgado Visits DMCC Headquarters in Dubai
It was recently a privilege and an honour to welcome Real Madrid legend Michel Salgado to the DMCC headquarters at Uptown Dubai Tower. The visit, hosted by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, celebrated not only sporting excellence but also Dubai’s ongoing spirit of cultural, economic, and social integration.
During the visit, Ahmed Bin Sulayem prepared some of the finest Yemeni coffee varieties, offering a taste of the region’s heritage before guiding Michel Salgado through a tour of several flagship initiatives within the Uptown Dubai Tower. This included stops at HIKVISION Europe, Yingtian Global, the DMCC Gaming Centre, and the DMCC AI Centre. The group also explored the diverse F&B offerings, concluding the tour with a ceremonial cacao experience at UpTown Social.
Reflecting on Salgado’s impact, Ahmed Bin Sulayem noted:
“Michel’s influence on sport is extraordinary. Over a decade at Real Madrid and 371 appearances, he won 11 major trophies including two UEFA Champions League titles, four LaLiga titles, three Spanish Super Cups, one Intercontinental Cup, and one UEFA Super Cup. He formed one of the most formidable full-back partnerships in the history of the game alongside Roberto Carlos during the Galacticos era.”
Salgado’s legacy extends off the field through his leadership of the football programme at Dubai Sports City, and as creator of Fursan Hispania FC — a genuine pathway for both Emirati and expatriate youth into official competition. Under his guidance, the club earned the UAE Second Division title and promotion in 2022, achieving youth success with the Mina Cup U16 title. As Sports Ambassador for the Al Jalila Foundation and in wider initiatives supporting football development, Salgado’s commitment to youth and community is clear.
The Fursan Hispania academy now draws from more than 30 nationalities, a true reflection of Dubai’s diversity and of Salgado’s belief that football is an education tool first and a sport second. In 2021, this dedication was recognized when Salgado was granted UAE citizenship as part of reforms for investors, professionals, and exceptional talents.
Salgado’s commitment to youth development continues with his recent appointment as head coach of the Saudi Arabia U-15 national team, overseeing the Future Falcons programme through 2026 and further shaping young talent across the Gulf region.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem concluded:
“I look forward to learning from Michel, to attending Fursan Hispania’s matches here in Dubai, and to seeing first hand the winning mentality forged alongside the greatest players of a generation and the deep personal investment he continues to make in developing young talent across this region.”
Salgado’s journey exemplifies how influence, education, and opportunity can be multiplied when global talent is woven into Dubai’s dynamic ecosystem. His ongoing investments in youth, sport, and community form the foundation for the city’s next era of achievement.
Team V.4-LKDN-UAE
