Announced by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the plan outlines major expansions in the number of international sporting events held annually, significant upgrades to the sports club ecosystem, and a strengthened contribution to Dubai’s economy.
The strategy includes a new sports identity for Dubai and sets a long-term framework built on four pillars: sporting events, clubs, talent development and community participation.
250 new Dubai sports events and 4 million spectators
A core objective of the plan is to increase the number of major sporting events hosted by Dubai annually by 250 in the coming period.
Dubai aims to attract more than 4m people each year to its sporting events, leveraging existing world-class facilities and purpose-built stadiums across the emirate.
The events pillar focuses on increasing top-tier competitions and enhancing their economic and tourism impact. The plan aims to raise the growth rate of the sports economy by 80 per cent, bringing its contribution to Dubai’s GDP to more than AED18.3bn ($5bn) by 2033.
Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, said: “In line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Sports Council will develop and implement 19 key programmes and 75 different initiatives that will contribute to achieving our ambitious goals for Dubai’s sports sector in the coming phase.
“Sporting events occupy a prominent place in our action plan, and the next phase will witness more globally impactful sporting events in major popular sports, attracting the participation of the world’s best stars, players and strongest teams and national squads across various sporting disciplines.
“Foremost among these is the World Sports Summit next month (December), which will be the largest global gathering of sports stars, experts and decision-makers, aiming to shape the future of sports from Dubai, the city of the future.”
The plan also emphasises enhancing existing flagship events such as the Professional Football League (PFL), the Dubai Marathon, the Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup, and major competitions in golf, equestrian sports, cricket, tennis, basketball and rugby.
Supporting measures include upgrading sports infrastructure, improving accessibility, and leveraging technology, data and media, alongside global tourism promotion campaigns in partnership with Dubai Tourism.
Major reforms for sports clubs: commercial revenue to reach 50%
Sports clubs – one of the strategy’s four pillars – will undergo a major transformation to improve operational sustainability and competitiveness. The plan aims to increase sports clubs’ revenue from commercial activities to 50 per cent by 2033, compared to the current 15 per cent.
To support this shift, private clubs will receive financial and operational support amounting to AED20m ($5.4m) annually, with additional budget allocations for smaller private clubs.
These funds are designed to develop sporting talent, expand community impact, and support long-term financial and commercial sustainability through clearly defined key performance indicators.
Clubs will operate under a new funding system that rewards government clubs based on their achievements and strengthens their capacity for financial sustainability.
The strategy includes initiatives to build a professional sports management system, link funding to key KPIs, and ensure detailed oversight, transparency and governance.
Professional sport management
Khalfan Juma Belhoul said: “We have a long-term vision at the Dubai Sports Council, which we will work to implement to support sports clubs, develop various sports and enhance public engagement.
“We continue to support the ambitions of athletes to reach international levels, helping them progress from local stadiums to international podiums.
“We will implement a new funding system that rewards government clubs in recognition of their achievements and enhances their ability to achieve financial sustainability. We will focus on their priorities and requirements and support their infrastructure.
“We also provide support to private clubs to ensure the development of sporting talent, enhance their community impact, and ensure their financial and commercial sustainability.”
The plan also emphasises strengthening the network of sports clubs and enhancing operational efficiency across administrative, technical and commercial functions, alongside building new revenue streams through sponsorships and commercial partnerships.
Dubai among leading world sports cities
The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 reflects the emirate’s aim to strengthen its global sports identity, expand high-impact events, cultivate future athletic talent, and build sustainable sports institutions.
Together, the events and clubs pillars form a comprehensive framework designed to enhance Dubai’s competitiveness, attract global participants, expand sports tourism and support innovative investment opportunities. The plan positions Dubai to rank among the top 10 sports cities worldwide over the coming decade.
