DP World Tour Sets the Gold Standard, Wins Big at Middle East Sport Industry Awards
How the Tour Is Redefining Sports in the Region and Why the World Is Taking Notice
It was a night to remember at the prestigious Middle East Sport Industry Awards, held under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Among a host of regional and international trailblazers, the DP World Tour emerged as a dominant force — securing two Gold Awards for Major Sport Event of the Year and Excellence in Sustainability. But more than just accolades, these wins reinforced the Tour’s bold mission to transform the sporting landscape of the Middle East and position Dubai on the global sporting map.
The region’s flagship event, the DP World Tour Championship, held annually at the luxurious Jumeirah Golf Estates, has long been a standout on the international golf calendar. But in 2024, it transcended its role as a mere tournament. The season finale evolved into a full-fledged global spectacle, blending elite golf, cultural diversity, and an inspiring commitment to sustainable innovation.
With the highest-ever spectator turnout recorded for a golf event in the UAE, the championship was underpinned by a fan-first strategy that redefined audience engagement. Through targeted outreach and inclusive initiatives, the event welcomed its most diverse audience to date — including a record 29% female attendance and international visitors making up 30% of ticket sales. The results speak volumes: Dubai, long known for its architectural wonders and luxury hospitality, now stands tall as a thriving global sports hub.
“These two Awards make it 12 prestigious sports industry awards won by the DP World Tour globally in the past 18 months, showing that our commitment to innovation is being acknowledged by our peers,” — Tom Phillips, Director of Middle East at the DP World Tour.
Bold Visions, Greener Realities
The Excellence in Sustainability award further showcased what sets the DP World Tour apart: a deep-seated commitment to environmental responsibility. Its hallmark Green Drive initiative represents a seismic shift in how professional golf — and global sport as a whole — addresses climate challenges. With a pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040, the Tour is setting a precedent far beyond the course.
That vision is already taking shape. From integrating energy-efficient technologies into the Rolex Series events to launching the world’s first fan travel carbon offset platform, the Tour is forging a blueprint for climate-conscious sporting operations. And it’s not stopping there. The launch of a Sustainability Awards programme for suppliers in the region has further elevated environmental accountability across industries in the Middle East.
A Global Partnership with Local Impact
Crucial to the Tour’s transformation has been its collaboration with DP World, one of Dubai’s leading global enterprises in logistics and trade. Since becoming the title partner in 2022, DP World has invested purposefully — not just in the tour’s success, but in the broader ambition of establishing Dubai as a beacon of sporting innovation, economic connectivity, and sustainable development.
“We would like to thank our Title Partner DP World and all our partners and suppliers for helping us to deliver a memorable experience for fans and leave a positive legacy within local communities,” — Tom Phillips.
A Symbol for the Future of Sport
With a dozen major industry awards secured in just 18 months and an event portfolio that spans 42 tournaments in 26 countries, the DP World Tour is doing more than raising the bar — it’s becoming the yardstick for how sport can uplift, connect, and transform communities on a planetary scale.
The Dubai finale is no longer just a celebrated golf tournament; it has become a flagship event marking the convergence of inclusivity, innovation, and environmental purpose.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will once again turn to Dubai, reaffirming its status as a stage not just for champions, but for change-makers.
For more information: www.dpworldtour.com | @DPWorldTour
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
