Dubai aims for $5bn sports economy by 2033 as participation grows to 2.6m and event attendance hits 4.1m
Dubai has set one of its long-term ambitions, revealing a strategy to double the economic contribution of sports to AED18.3bn ($5bn) by 2033.
The Dubai Sports Souths Stratect Plan 2033 aims to increase the number of residents involved in sports from 1.6m to 2.6m, while increasing annual attendance at major meetings to 4.1 million, more than doubling current levels.
The program forms a major pillar of Dubai’s long-term agenda to increase quality of life, public health and global competitiveness.
Dubai 2033 Symbol Strategic Plan
Sheikh Mansoorn Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Mashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), launched the program at a dedicated event at the NAD Al Sheba Sports Complex, attended by International Athletes, sports managers, organizations, educational institutions and industry partners.
Sheikh Mansoor was also revealed as the new sports identity of Dubai – selected from thousands of public submissions.
The logo embodies the sporting nature of the Emirate and reflects Dubai’s prominence among the world’s leading venues for athletes, sporting events and innovation.
He said: “We have presented a comprehensive and forward-looking vision for the future of sports in Dubai, which improves the competitiveness of the sector, creates new opportunities around the world, and strengthens Dubai’s global talent as a sports hub.
“In the next phase, our focus will be on empowering public and private clubs to reach community standards, expand community participation and build world-class facilities and infrastructure that reflect Dubai’s prestige and potential.
“Our goal is for Dubai to be the leading destination for sports and athletes by creating a strong, innovative and competitive sports environment in other countries.”
$5bn for the economy
The Dubai Sports Souths Plan 2033 is organized around four pillars – community, events, clubs and talent – and includes 19 programs and 75 programs.
Its main economic and social objectives include:
- Doubling the annual GDP sports contribution of AED10.17bn to AED18.3BN ($5bn)
- More and more citizens participate in sports from 1.6m to 2.6m
- Raising Attendance at Major Sporting Events from 1.67m to 4.1m annually
The program divides 17 important sports into three categories:
- Featured games: Pedal, combat sports, esports
- Community Games: Running, swimming
- Sports with global reach: Golf, cricket, basketball
These categories reflect international trends and local demand drivers and are designed to strengthen competitiveness, promote long-term industrial growth and support the global environment.
Health and economic progress
Sheikh Mansoor said: “Sports is the cornerstone of Dubai’s vision of a smart and beautiful society. It inspires progress and aims for progress and calls for progress.”
He also directed that the objectives of the Dubai Sports Souths Plan 2033 and the new ownership of sports will be shown during the Dubai sports conference in Dubai in late December, which will bring together global sports leaders, which will bring companies.
Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and D33
The program aligns with Dubai’s Quality of Life 2033, launched earlier this year under the guidance of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. It also supports the objectives of the Dubai D33 economic agenda, to strengthen the role of sports in economic diversification and long-term competitiveness.
The strategic plan aims to create an integrated sports system that combines social development, competitive excellence and effective governance, while keeping up with global shifts in the sports industry.
To ensure effective implementation, the Dubai Sports Council will introduce strong governance mechanisms, including:
- Clear Performance Indicators
- Strengthening coordination with public and private partners
- Frameworks for Ensuring Sustainability and Performance of Sports Infrastructure Investments
The program also consolidates Dubai’s position as a sports capital and a global destination for athletes, talent and sports investors.
It also underlines Dubai’s leadership in global happiness and quality of life indices, which reflect the long-term vision of sport as a foundation for life and progress.
