Dubai aims for 250 new events and an increase of 50% Revenue GROUD RECORDENCE under $5bn Sports Screet Plan 2033
Announced by Sheikh Mansoorn Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the program shows a significant increase in international sporting events, and a strengthened contribution to the economy of Dubai.
The strategy includes a new ownership of sports in Dubai and establishes a long-term framework built on four pillars: Sports events, clubs, talent development and community participation.
250 New Dubai Sports Events and 4 Spectators
The main objective of the plan is to increase the number of major sporting events hosted by Dubai every year by 250 in the future.
Dubai aims to attract more than 4M people each year to its sporting events, including existing world-class facilities and objectives – forming the Emirate’s strategic objectives.
Avent Pillar focuses on the expansion of top tier competitions and improving their economic and tourism impact. The plan aims to increase the growth rate of the sports economy by 80 percent, bringing its contribution to Dubai’s GDP to more than AED18.3BN ($5bn) by 2033.
Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, said: “In line with the directives of HH Sheikh Mantoor bin Mohashid al Maktoum, the 75 Council will advance to achieve our Dubai sports goals in the next phase.
“Sporting events remain at the forefront of our action plan, and the next phase will be further evidenced by sporting events that have the greatest impact on the world, attracting the participation of the world’s best stars, players and the most powerful sports teams in sports courses.
“Foremost among these international conferences next month (December), which will be the world’s largest gathering of sports stars, experts and decision-makers, aiming to sharpen the future of sports from Dubai, the city of the future.”
The plan also emphasizes developing existing football events (PFL), Dubai Marathon Cup football, and major competitions in golf, equestrian sports, basketball and rugby.
The supporting methods include developing sports infrastructure, improving accessibility, and powerful technology, data and media, alongside campaigns to promote tourism by Global Touriation in partnership with Dubai Tourism.
Major changes for sports clubs: Commercial revenue to reach 50%
Sports clubs – one of the four pillars of the strategy – will be radically transformed to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness. The plan aims to increase the Sports Club’s income from commercial activities to 50 percent by 2033, compared to the current 15 percent.
To support this change, private clubs will receive financial and operational support of up to AED20M ($5.4m) per year, with additional budget allocations for small private clubs.
These funds are designed to develop sports talent, expand community impact, and create long-term financial sustainability through defined core mission indicators.
The clubs will operate under a new financial system that rewards state clubs according to their achievements and strengthens their capacity for financial sustainability.
The strategy includes strategies to build a professional sports management system, link funding to Key KPIS, and ensure detailed oversight, transparency and governance.
Technical Sports Management
Khalfan Juma Belhoul said: “We have a long-term vision for the Dubai Sports Council, which we will work to use to support sports clubs, develop various sports and improve community involvement.
“We continue to support athletes’ ambitions to reach international levels, helping them progress from local stars to international podiums.
“We will implement a new financial system that rewards state clubs for their achievements and improve their ability to achieve financial stability. We will focus on infrastructure priorities and their needs and support their infrastructure.
“We also provide support to private clubs to ensure the development of sporting talent, improve their community impact, and ensure their financial and commercial sustainability.”
The plan also emphasizes strengthening the network of sports clubs and improving administrative, technical and commercial efficiency, alongside creating new streams of income through sponsorship and commercial cooperation.
Dubai is among the leading cities in world sports
The Dubai Sports Souths Plan 2033 reflects the Emirate’s intention to strengthen its global sports identity, expand high-impact events, cultivate top sports talent, and build sustainable sports institutions.
Together, the events and the clubs form a complete framework designed to improve Dubai’s competitiveness, attract international participants, expand sports tourism and support innovative investment opportunities. The program positions Dubai to grow among the top 10 sports cities in the world over the next decade.
