What pulls sports events and stars to Dubai

TOP SPORTS DESTINATION: Dubai has emerged as a leading holiday destination for sports stars from around the globe, enamoured by Dubai’s impressive infrastructure, top-class amenities and high quality of life. The sector's contribution to the economy is valued at Dh4 billion annually.

REGULAR HOST: Dubai hosts one of the world's most prominent cycling meets, even as it also aims to be among the most cycling-friendly cities, doubling its cycling tracks by 2022.

ROBUST INFRASTRUCTURE: The emirate has a robust infrastructure that has shaped the sports sector. Add to that the newly-introduced long-term residency Golden Visa for sports luminaries. The government’s support for the industry forms part of the emirate’s drive to become the world’s best city to live and work in.

TRAINING CAMPS: Since the beginning of 2021, Dubai has hosted over 70 training camps and friendly matches for international teams in different sports, including swimming, synchronised swimming, modern pentathlon, cycling, tennis, football, badminton, cricket, rugby, golf and more.

GROWTH: Dubai’s sports sector has been growing significantly over the years, due to an increase in the number of entities operating in the sector as well as Dubai’s hosting of major international championships and events. These events continue to attract thousands of participants, media professionals and visitors from across the world.

400 EVENTS: There are 400 sports events in the UAE, of which 131 are international. The contribution of the sports sector to the national and local economy continues to grow, through attracting investments and creating more jobs for young talents.

RESPONSE: Dubai’s favourable legislations, world-class facilities for tourists and visitors and the emirate’s admirable response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have enabled the emirate to firmly place itself as a preferred destination for international sports investors.

AT HOME IN DUBAI: From Roger Federer of Switzerland to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and her husband Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik to Formula One’s two-time champion Spanish driver Fernando Alonso, these sports star call Dubai their home.

LIFESTYLE: Dubai has an active lifestyle, as seen in the increasing number of national and international sporting events being hosted in the emirate. Sania Mirza (right) with Shoaib Malik, Hassan Ali and Samiya in Dubai.

CROWD PULLER, JOB GENERATOR: There are more than 20,000 people employed in Dubai’s sports sector. The emirate also hosts five factories that manufacture sports equipment and sportswear. There are more than 2,500 outlets that sell training equipment and merchandise. The emirate also has over 350 registered companies that organise various sports events and training camps.

SPORTING DESTINATION: Dubai has also emerged as a leading holiday destination for sports stars from around the globe, and – enamoured by Dubai’s impressive infrastructure, top-class amenities and high quality of life. This year, the emirate has hosted training camps and matches for international teams in different sports, including swimming, synchronised swimming, modern pentathlon, cycling, tennis, football, badminton, cricket, rugby, golf and more. File photo show the Asia Cup 2018 at Dubai Stadium.

HORSE RACING: Dubai also hosts the world's richest horse racing, the annual Dubai World Cup. First held in 1996, this annual event has placed the UAE on the map and is home to one of the world's top racing challenges.