His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), cemented a powerful long-term economic and social vision for the emirate on November 15, 2025, by launching the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033. Unveiled at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, the comprehensive 19-program, 75-initiative framework is designed to exponentially boost the sector’s global competitiveness, nurture talent, and unlock massive financial potential with the ultimate goal of establishing Dubai as the world’s leading destination for sport by 2033.
A Decisive Decade for Dubai Athletics
The strategic plan was introduced during a high-profile event attended by international athletes, industry leaders, federation representatives, and key partners responsible for major sporting mega-events. Alongside the detailed strategy, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed revealed Dubai’s new sporting identity, an emblem selected from thousands of public submissions intended to serve as a unifying symbol for the emirate’s entire sporting ecosystem. This new identity signals a transformative chapter, reinforcing the city’s ambition to excel in hosting events, driving innovation, and attracting elite athletes globally.
The launch commitment reflects Dubai’s dedication to cultivating a world-class sports sector that prioritizes community involvement, talent development, and sustained economic expansion. His Highness emphasized that the strategy is designed to enhance the sector’s competitiveness, foster new opportunities, and solidify Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for athletic performance.
“Our goal is for Dubai to become the world’s leading destination for sports and athletes,” His Highness declared. “We will achieve this by building an ecosystem that is dynamic, innovative, and internationally competitive.”
Four Pillars Driving Unprecedented Growth
Oversight of the plan rests with the Dubai Sports Council, and implementation is structured around four core pillars: Community, Events, Clubs, and Talent. These pillars are supported by initiatives focused on upgrading infrastructure, boosting participation rates, promoting healthy lifestyles, and establishing elite training and development academies.
The strategy also strategically identifies 17 priority sports categorized into three groups:
- Emerging Sports: High-growth segments like padel, combat sports, and Esports.
- Community Sports: Activities such as running and swimming, which are vital for public health and widespread engagement.
- Sports with Global Reach: High-value, widely appealing sports like golf, cricket, and basketball, which offer significant economic returns.
By 2033, the plan sets aggressive targets for growth in several key metrics:
- Economic Contribution: Increasing the sports sector’s annual GDP contribution from AED 10.17 billion to AED 18.3 billion.
- Active Residents: Growing the number of residents actively involved in sports from 1.6 million to 2.6 million.
- Event Attendance: Raising annual major event attendance from 1.67 million to 4.1 million participants.
Integrating Sport with Quality of Life
This sports strategy aligns closely with the broader Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. It views sport not only as an economic engine but as a crucial foundation for societal well-being, promoting health, happiness, and cohesion.
To ensure success, the Dubai Sports Council will implement robust governance mechanisms, including clear performance indicators and stronger collaboration between public and private entities. This framework is crucial for maximizing investment efficiency in sporting infrastructure and ensuring sustainable project delivery.
The plan mandates that all strategic objectives and the new sports identity be showcased at the annual World Sports Summit in Dubai later this year. This international event serves as a platform to attract global decision-makers, federations, and investors, affirming Dubai’s commitment to setting new standards of quality and impact in the international sports arena. By building an integrated system of community development, competitive excellence, and effective governance, Dubai is positioned to further solidify its status as the region’s undisputed sports capital.