Dubai’s World Sports Summit Shows How Sport Can Shape a Better Future for Societies Worldwide

Why Dubai Is Positioning Itself as a Global Sports Hub

When the sun set behind the iconic arches of Madinat Jumeirah on 29 December 2025, more than 70 sport‑industry leaders gathered for the inaugural World Sports Summit Dubai. The two‑day event, themed “Uniting the World Through Sport,” was not a one‑off celebration but a strategic move that ties directly into the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033. By aligning the summit with this long‑term roadmap, the emirate is sending a clear message: sport is a catalyst for social cohesion, economic diversification, and international diplomacy.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s Vision for Sport

Opening the summit, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates – emphasized the “positive role of sport in shaping a better future for societies worldwide.” He highlighted Dubai’s ambition to become a nexus for global sporting dialogue and to turn ideas discussed at the summit into concrete policy, legislation, and lasting partnerships.

Strategic Pillars of the Dubai Sports Plan 2033

The Dubai Sports Strategy 2033 rests on three inter‑linked pillars:

• Hosting marquee events – from youth festivals to senior world championships.
• Developing home‑grown talent – through academies, scholarships, and high‑performance centres.
• Building a sustainable sports ecosystem – leveraging technology, research, and green‑event standards.

Each pillar was reflected in the summit’s agenda, demonstrating how Dubai intends to attract private capital for state‑of‑the‑art facilities, sports‑tech incubators, and innovative training programmes.

Key Sessions and High‑Profile Speakers

The summit’s programme, curated by the Dubai Sports Council, blended policy debates with interactive workshops and cultural experiences. Highlights included:

FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s “The Next 90 Minutes”

Infantino outlined FIFA’s post‑World‑Cup vision, focusing on grassroots development, digital fan engagement, and the integration of sustainability standards into tournament planning. His remarks resonated with Dubai’s goal of positioning the city as a leader in sports sustainability and digital fan experiences.

Panel on Sport and Social Cohesion

Panelists examined how community‑based programmes can reduce youth delinquency, improve public health, and foster inclusion. Real‑world case studies from Brazil, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates illustrated the power of sport to bridge socioeconomic gaps.

Investment and Innovation Forum

Venture‑capitalists, startup founders, and corporate investors discussed trends in sports technology, from AI‑driven performance analytics to wearable health monitors. The dialogue highlighted Dubai’s emerging role as a hub for sports‑tech funding, with Gulf‑based investors pledging billions of dollars to accelerate innovation.

Celebrating Excellence: The 13th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Awards

One of the summit’s most anticipated moments was the ceremony honoring the winners of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Awards. Established in 2010, the awards recognise individual achievement, team performance, and contributions to sport development across the Arab world and beyond.

• Athlete of the Year (Male) – awarded to a world‑record holder in sprinting whose performances have redefined the 100‑metre dash.
• Athlete of the Year (Female) – presented to a multiple‑Olympic‑medal swimmer who also champions gender equity in sport.
• Special Contribution – given to a regional football federation that launched a grassroots programme reaching over one million children.

The awards underscored Dubai’s commitment not only to host events but also to celebrate the individuals and institutions that drive sport forward.

Beyond the Conference: A Festival of Competition and Culture

To showcase the emirate’s hospitality and emerging sports culture, the summit’s Organising Committee curated a series of exhibitions and leisure activities. Delegates participated in a high‑profile padel tournament, a fast‑growing racket sport that has attracted celebrity enthusiasts from tennis, football, and mixed‑martial‑arts backgrounds. Additional activities included beach volleyball, sailing, and desert safaris, providing a holistic experience that blended competition with tourism.

Facility Tours Highlight Dubai’s Infrastructure

On 28 December, attendees toured world‑class venues such as the newly inaugurated Dubai Sports City complex, the refurbished Al Maktoum Stadium (a key asset for the 2026 Asian Games bid), and the cutting‑edge Dubai Aquatics Centre. These visits demonstrated the tangible assets Dubai offers to international federations seeking a venue that combines modern infrastructure with logistical excellence.

Economic and Diplomatic Impact of the World Sports Summit

Analysts view the summit as a strategic lever for Dubai’s broader economic diversification agenda. By positioning the emirate at the intersection of sport, finance, and technology, the event aims to attract foreign direct investment into sectors ranging from sports‑medicine startups to media‑rights firms. A recent report from the Dubai Economic Department estimates that each major sporting event hosted in the city generates upwards of $1 billion in direct and indirect revenue. The summit’s networking opportunities are expected to multiply that figure through sustained partnership agreements.

Soft Power and International Relations

The presence of high‑profile figures such as Bahrain’s Prince Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Paris Saint‑Germain President Nasser Al Khelaifi, and former England striker Peter Crouch highlighted the summit’s role as a diplomatic platform. By convening leaders from rival federations and nations, Dubai is cultivating an environment where sport can serve as a conduit for dialogue amid broader geopolitical tensions.

From Summit Resolutions to Real‑World Projects

The summit concluded with a collective call to “unify efforts and lay strong foundations.” The real test, however, lies in translating those resolutions into actionable programmes. The Dubai Sports Council has pledged to publish a post‑summit white paper outlining concrete policy recommendations, investment roadmaps, and collaborative frameworks. This document will be presented to the UAE Ministry of Community Development and the International Olympic Committee later in 2025.

Pilot Initiatives Set for 2026

Several pilot projects were announced to demonstrate how summit ideas can be operationalised:

• A youth football academy launched in partnership with the FIFA Forward Programme, targeting 5,000 children across the Gulf region.
• A regional e‑sports league backed by Gulf venture capital, designed to position the Middle East as a competitive hub for digital sport.
• A sports‑medicine research centre at Dubai Sports City, focusing on injury prevention and performance optimisation through AI.

These initiatives aim to deliver measurable outcomes for communities across the Middle East and North Africa, reinforcing the summit’s message that sport can be a vehicle for social progress.

Looking Ahead: Dubai’s Role in the Future of Global Sport

The inaugural World Sports Summit has positioned Dubai not merely as a host city but as an active architect of the future of sport. By weaving together policy discourse, celebrity influence, and tangible investment opportunities, the event underscored the emirate’s ambition to harness sport as a vehicle for social cohesion, economic growth, and international cooperation.

As participants departed from the arches of Madinat Jumeirah, the prevailing sentiment was clear: when strategically leveraged, sport transcends borders and fosters a shared sense of purpose. Dubai’s gamble on this philosophy appears to be paying off, laying the groundwork for a decade—and perhaps a generation—where the playing field becomes a platform for global progress.