Dubai: The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, launched by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, aims to develop the sports sector and enhance its competitiveness and global appeal. It also aims to increase the number of major sporting events hosted by Dubai annually by 250 in the coming period.
According to Emirates News Agency, the plan seeks to attract more than 4 million people annually to its major sporting events at Dubai's existing sports facilities and stadiums that have been built to the highest standards. It also seeks to increase the number of sports facilities and centres, further solidifying Dubai's position as a leading global destination for sports and athletes.
Sporting events are one of the plan's four pillars, alongside clubs, talent, and community development. The Dubai Sports Council will work to implement the objectives of these pillars, contributing to Dubai's ranking among the top-10 sports cities worldwide. The brand-new plan was announced last week along with the introduction of Dubai's new sports identity, with a logo reflecting the emirate's ambition and dedication to enhancing quality of life.
The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, under its event's pillar, will focus on increasing the number of top-tier sporting events and enhancing their economic and tourism impact on Dubai. It further aims to raise the growth rate of the sports economy by 80 percent, bringing its contribution to Dubai's GDP to more than AED 18.3 billion by 2033.
Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, stated that the council will develop and implement 19 key programmes and 75 different initiatives to achieve the ambitious goals set for Dubai's sports sector in the coming phase. He highlighted the importance of sporting events in their action plan, with the next phase expected to feature more globally impactful events across popular sports, attracting top stars and national squads.
The plan will also focus on elevating the level of championships that have established Dubai as a leading global city for sports events. These include the Professional Football League, the Dubai Marathon, the Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup, and events in golf, equestrian sports, cricket, tennis, basketball, and rugby.
The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 has identified several aspects to support and increase international sporting events, such as upgrading sports infrastructure, improving accessibility, leveraging technology and media, and launching global tourism promotion campaigns in partnership with Dubai Tourism. The ultimate aim is to boost sports tourism and enhance Dubai's brand presence on the international stage, opening up opportunities for sports investment and facilitating innovative projects and partnerships.