Dubai targets global sports leadership with 2033 strategic vision

Dubai: Dubai revealed its forward-looking plan to overhaul the sports sector by 2033, mapping a multi-layered approach designed to intensify competitiveness, foster sustainable progress, and establish the emirate at the pinnacle of global sporting cities. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who chairs the Dubai Sports Council, presented the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 during an event convened at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex. The occasion attracted representatives from domestic and international sporting communities, executives, and industry stakeholders.

The strategic document lays out targets intended to amplify Dubai’s economic gains through sport, centring on both collective wellbeing and cultivating talent, while prioritising first-class infrastructure. The event introduced this blueprint as a signal of Dubai’s next chapter in sporting aspiration.

Integral to proceedings was the presentation of a fresh sporting identity for Dubai, chosen following a public call for entries that saw thousands of submissions. This symbol aims to unify the emirate’s extensive sporting networks and signals Dubai’s pledge to excel as a home for athletes, major sporting occasions, and sports innovation.

Sheikh Mansoor stressed the city’s enduring vision for sporting advancement, highlighting intentions to nurture abilities and support widespread participation. "We have launched a comprehensive and forward-looking vision for the future of sport in Dubai, one that enhances the sector’s competitiveness, creates new opportunities, nurtures young talent and strengthens Dubai’s global reputation as a centre for sporting excellence,” Sheikh Mansoor said.

The framework stands on four core elements: Community, Events, Clubs, and Talent. Encompassing 19 discrete programmes and 75 separate initiatives, it seeks to strengthen sporting facilities, broaden community access, and encourage healthier ways of living. Considerable attention is given to skills development, supporting up-and-coming athletes as well as those already established.

Seventeen sports receive particular emphasis and are organised under three segments: Emerging Sports (including padel, combat disciplines, Esports) are witnessing swift expansion; Community Sports such as running and swimming serve to foster inclusive participation; Sports with Global Reach—golf, cricket, basketball—yield considerable economic returns.

By the end of the strategic period, the council anticipates raising the sports sector’s GDP contribution from Dh10.17 billion to Dh18.3 billion annually, with the count of physically active residents projected to rise from 1.6 million to 2.6 million, and attendance at headline sporting events estimated to climb from 1.67 million up to 4.1 million annually.

Sheikh Mansoor provided this outlook: "In the next phase, our focus will be on empowering both public and private clubs to reach international standards, expanding community participation and developing world-class facilities and infrastructure that reflect Dubai’s ambition and capability.” He continued, "Our goal is for Dubai to become the world’s leading destination for sports and athletes by building a sports ecosystem that is dynamic, innovative and internationally competitive.”

The World Sports Summit, scheduled in Dubai, will showcase the strategic plan’s priorities and Dubai’s new sporting identity, drawing international personalities and key industry figures. The vision aligns with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to integrate community improvement, excellence, and sound governance for durable impact.

“Sport is a fundamental pillar of Dubai’s vision for a vibrant and cohesive society. It promotes wellbeing, brings people together and inspires progress. We call on all entities and individuals to contribute to the success of this plan, ensuring Dubai continues to set new standards of quality and impact,” Sheikh Mansoor added. The Dubai Sports Council intends to implement oversight systems, monitor performance through defined indicators, and support both public and private partnerships to facilitate effective execution and continued viability of the strategy.