By Staff Reporter
Dubai is strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading sports destinations through an ambitious long-term strategy aimed at almost doubling the sector’s contribution to the economy by 2033.
Under the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, the emirate aims to increase the sports sector’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) from AED10.17 billion to AED18.3 billion. The plan also targets a sharp rise in annual event attendance, from 1.67 million to more than 4.1 million, while the number of major sporting events is expected to grow by as much as 250 percent.
Sport has become a key pillar of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, driven by expanding sports tourism, broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, digital content creation and the growing sports technology sector. Dubai already hosts more than 400 local and international sporting events each year, in addition to around 100 training camps for elite clubs and national teams.
Major events continue to deliver significant economic benefits. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships attract the world’s top players and enjoy extensive international media coverage, while the Dubai Marathon draws thousands of participants from around the globe, boosting the hospitality, aviation and retail industries.
The emirate has also diversified its sporting landscape by investing in international golf, mixed martial arts, cricket, cycling and marine sports. The launch of the Dubai Basketball project and its participation in the ABA League further demonstrate Dubai’s commitment to building a dynamic and sustainable sports investment ecosystem.
Esports is also emerging as a major growth area, with the Dubai ESports and Games Festival playing an increasingly important role in supporting the city’s creative and digital economy.
Internationally, Dubai’s sporting events are broadcast to hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide, enhancing the emirate’s reputation as a premier destination for sport, tourism and investment.
Source: Emirates News Agency
