Dubai is aiming to increase the sports sector’s contribution to its economy to Dhs18.3 billion by 2033 as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen investment, tourism and business through sport.
Under the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, the emirate plans to raise the sector’s annual contribution to gross domestic product from Dhs10.17 billion to Dhs18.3 billion, an increase of about 80 percent. The plan also targets more than 4.1 million spectators at major sporting events each year, up from 1.67 million, while increasing the number of major events by up to 250 percent.
Sports growth
The sports sector has become a key part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, supported by growth in sports tourism, media rights, sponsorship, digital content and the wider sports economy.
Dubai currently hosts more than 400 local and international sporting events each year, along with around 100 training camps for international clubs and national teams. These activities support sectors including hospitality, tourism, aviation, retail and services.
Major events
Among Dubai’s flagship events is the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which continues to attract leading international players and global media attention.
Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, said: “The tournament’s continued success reflects Dubai’s leading position in hosting major sporting events, noting that international tournaments have become an influential platform for supporting the economy, tourism and the global promotion of the emirate, while enhancing its attractiveness for investment and sports partnerships.”
The Dubai Marathon also remains one of the world’s leading marathon races, drawing thousands of runners from different countries each year.
Ahmed Al Kamali, General Coordinator of the Dubai Marathon, said: “Sport represents an important economic driver for the emirate, given the tourism, investment and media returns generated by global sporting events, adding that the Dubai Marathon represents a successful model of the growing economic role of major sporting events.”
New sectors
Dubai has expanded its sporting calendar to include international golf tournaments, mixed martial arts events, cricket competitions, cycling, running and marine sports.
The emirate has also entered professional basketball through the Dubai Basketball project and the team’s participation in the European ABA League, while continuing to grow its esports sector.
Ahmed Al Khaja, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “Events such as the Dubai Esports and Games Festival reflect the rapid growth of the sector and its increasing contribution to Dubai’s creative economy by attracting participants and visitors of all ages and interests.”
Dubai also remains a preferred destination for winter training camps for leading football clubs and national teams. It continues to host the Dubai International Sports Conference, which brings together industry leaders to discuss sports investment, innovation, technology and artificial intelligence.
The emirate says international sporting events continue to strengthen its global profile through extensive international media coverage while supporting economic growth across multiple sectors.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
