Dubai is set to host a landmark international gathering later this month, solidifying its position as a global hub for dialogue and innovation in the athletic sector. The inaugural World Sports Summit, organized by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), aims to connect leaders, athletes, and decision-makers under the banner of sports as a unifying force for positive global development. Scheduled for December 29 and 30 at Madinat Jumeirah, the event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council.
The necessity and scope of the summit were recently reviewed during a DSC Board of Directors meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the DSC. Sheikh Mansoor affirmed that the summit represents a pivotal addition to Dubai’s sporting calendar, underscoring the emirate’s commitment to leveraging sports for the betterment of society.
A Platform for Global Sporting Dialogue
The debut event, themed “Uniting the World Through Sports,” is designed as an elite global platform. Organizers expect over 1,500 high-profile attendees, including legendary international athletes, influential sports sector executives, and representatives from major international sports federations.
During the DSC board meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor emphasized the summit’s potential to bridge divides and foster collaboration. “In line with Dubai’s strategy of hosting world-class platforms across fields like government, leadership, and artificial intelligence, we are proud to introduce a new global summit focused on sports,” Sheikh Mansoor stated. He noted that the initiative reflects the leadership’s vision of promoting sports as a positive cross-border force, essential for development and building a more prosperous future for humanity.
Shaping the Future Trajectories of Athletics
The World Sports Summit is slated to address the current state and future direction of global sports, marking the start of “a new phase” focused on developing clear institutional foundations and international collaboration within the sector. Discussions are expected to cover critical management and performance aspects, including governance, professional leadership, enhancing athlete development, building integrated training infrastructure, nurturing new talent, and the significant role of artificial intelligence applications in advancing the entire sports ecosystem.
Attending the board meeting alongside Sheikh Mansoor were His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the DSC, and Board members including Ali Al Mutawa, Ahmed Al Khaja, Ismail Al Hashemi, and Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the DSC.
Dubai’s Organizational Readiness
Sheikh Mansoor reviewed the extensive preparations underway for the summit, commending the efforts of the organizing teams. The summit is set to host prominent figures from various national Olympic committees, international federations, global event organizers, and sports legends who have championed sports as a tool for humanitarian causes and socio-economic empowerment.
Organizers confirmed that all logistical and organizational aspects are fully prepared, leveraging Dubai’s established track record for hosting large-scale international events. The city’s advanced infrastructure and experienced national staff ensure readiness to welcome esteemed speakers and guests for not only the main sessions but also several accompanying activities planned by the Dubai Sports Council.
The World Sports Summit aims to elevate Dubai’s profile in global sports diplomacy, providing a crucial stage for leaders to collaborate on strategies that ensure the sector continues to thrive and contributes meaningfully to global societal progress.