Dubai Unveils Ambitious Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 to Elevate Emirate’s Global Sporting Status
Dubai, 13th November, 2025 — In a landmark move to transform Dubai’s sports sector, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), today launched the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033. The newly announced roadmap sets forth a comprehensive vision aimed at strengthening the sector’s competitiveness, unlocking economic potential, and positioning Dubai as the world’s top sporting city by 2033.
A special launch event, held at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, brought together an esteemed gathering of local and international sports stars, industry leaders, representatives from sports federations and academies, and key partners from the wider sporting ecosystem. Central to the occasion was the unveiling of Dubai’s new sports identity, a dynamic emblem chosen from thousands of public submissions, designed to symbolize unity and the city’s forward momentum in sport.
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed underlined the significance of the launch:
“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,” said Sheikh Mansoor.
He further noted, “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.”
“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,” he added.
The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 is structured around four main pillars:
- Community
- Events
- Clubs
- Talent
Supervised by the Dubai Sports Council, the plan comprises 19 programmes and 75 initiatives aimed at enhancing sports infrastructure, increasing community participation, promoting active lifestyles, and nurturing talent through world-class training and development. The plan also spotlights 17 priority sports across three categories:
- Emerging Sports: Including padel, combat sports, and Esports with rapid growth.
- Community Sports: Such as running and swimming, fostering public health and engagement.
- Sports with Global Reach: Including golf, cricket, and basketball, combining mass appeal with significant economic value.
By 2033, the plan aims to:
- Increase the sports sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP from AED10.17 billion to AED18.3 billion annually
- Grow active sports participation from 1.6 million to 2.6 million residents
- Boost attendance at major events from 1.67 million to 4.1 million participants each year.
Sheikh Mansoor emphasised the collaborative nature of the initiative, stating the Dubai Sports Council will engage closely with both public and private sectors to achieve these goals, making sport a primary engine of Dubai’s economic growth, health, happiness, and quality of life.
He said:
“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.”
Additionally, Sheikh Mansoor instructed that both the goals of the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 and the emirate’s new sports identity be highlighted at the upcoming World Sports Summit in Dubai this December, bringing global sporting leaders and decision-makers together.
Importantly, the new strategic plan is in line with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and supervised by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, further integrating sports policy with Dubai’s broader aspirations for well-being, vibrancy, and economic growth.
To ensure targeted outcomes, the Dubai Sports Council will implement robust governance mechanisms, including clear performance indicators and strengthened collaboration between government entities and the private sector, aiming for both sustained impact and investment efficiency in sports infrastructure.
The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 not only embodies Dubai’s commitment to a healthy, active, and sustainable society but also consolidates its position as a regional sports capital and a global destination for athletes, talent, and investors. By advancing these initiatives, Dubai continues to raise its profile across global happiness and quality-of-life indices, further demonstrating the city’s belief in sport as a foundation for societal progress.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
