Dubai is set to make a significant mark on the global sports scene by hosting the World Sports Summit on 29-30 December 2025. The summit, under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, will bring together some of the most influential figures in global sport, including international sports leaders, athletes, and decision-makers. The two-day event will focus on the role of sport in shaping societies and empowering communities, highlighting its potential as a unifying force that transcends borders. This summit will be a pivotal moment for the future of sports, offering a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.
Sheikh Hamdan’s Vision for Sport
In his remarks ahead of the summit, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of sport in driving positive change and uniting people from all corners of the world. “Sport has the power to bring people together, regardless of their background or nationality,” he said. “The World Sports Summit is an opportunity to explore the role of sports in empowering communities and shaping societies for the better.”
With over 70 speakers from various sports disciplines, the summit will be a dynamic forum for discussing the current state of sport, its future, and how it can be used as a tool for social development. The gathering will bring together sports leaders, athletes, investors, and decision-makers, all of whom will engage in discussions aimed at shaping the direction of global sports development.
The Summit’s Goals and Ambitions
The World Sports Summit will have several key objectives, primarily focusing on sports development and community empowerment. As the first event of its kind in the UAE, the summit will provide a platform for global sports figures to engage in dialogue about the challenges facing the industry and how to overcome them.
Sheikh Hamdan described the summit as an important milestone for the UAE, particularly Dubai’s growing role in global sports. “Through the World Sports Summit, we aim to unify efforts and create strong foundations for the growth of sports, inspiring future generations and attracting talent from around the world,” he said. This sentiment reflects the broader goal of the summit: to foster international cooperation in the sports industry, encourage talent development, and build strategic initiatives that will benefit the global sports community.
Uniting the World Through Sport
The summit’s theme, “Uniting the World Through Sport,” encapsulates the power of sports to bridge divides and promote unity on a global scale. Sport, Sheikh Hamdan pointed out, is a tool that transcends political, cultural, and geographical barriers, bringing people together in a shared celebration of physical achievement, teamwork, and mutual respect. This year’s summit will shine a spotlight on how sport has the potential to change lives, inspire communities, and foster international understanding.
The event will include a variety of panels, keynote addresses, and workshops that will delve into the role of sports governance, youth development, and the future of global sports economics. Discussions will also focus on emerging trends in sports technology, fan engagement, and how the industry can adapt to an ever-changing world.
A Platform for Global Sports Leaders
One of the summit’s key features will be the presence of prominent sports figures from around the world. FIFA President Gianni Infantino will address the audience on the first day of the summit, delivering a speech titled “The Next 90 Minutes”, in which he will explore the future of football and its role in global sports culture.
Other distinguished participants include Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star, Khabib Nurmagomedov, the MMA world champion, Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian tennis champion, and Ronaldo Nazario, the legendary Brazilian footballer. These sports icons, alongside sports executives and administrators, will share their perspectives on sports leadership, the evolving landscape of professional sports, and the ways in which sports can contribute to social change.
Honoring Excellence in Sports
As part of the summit, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award will recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to global sports. The award, which is the largest of its kind in terms of both prize value and the number of categories, celebrates the achievements of athletes, coaches, and sports institutions around the world.
The award ceremony will honor leading figures in the sports industry and highlight their dedication to advancing the field. This will not only serve as an acknowledgment of excellence but also as an inspiration for future generations of athletes and sports leaders. It will also reaffirm Dubai’s position as a global leader in hosting prestigious sports events.
The UAE’s Growing Role in Global Sports
Dubai’s role as a host city for this global summit is part of the UAE’s broader ambition to become a world leader in sports tourism and international sporting events. Dubai has already established itself as a key destination for high-profile sports events, such as the Dubai Tennis Championships and Formula E racing. The World Sports Summit further cements the city’s status as a hub for international sports, attracting leaders from across the industry to engage in high-level discussions and create actionable strategies for the future.
The UAE’s efforts to build a strong sports infrastructure and attract global sporting events align with the country’s Vision 2030 goals, which focus on creating a sustainable, diverse economy and positioning the UAE as a global center for innovation and cultural exchange. Hosting such an important event is a natural extension of these aspirations.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
The summit will also offer participants a unique opportunity to network and collaborate with peers from around the world. Attendees will have access to workshops and forums where they can discuss pressing issues facing the sports industry, such as sustainability, inclusivity, and technology innovation. These sessions will be designed to foster creative solutions and encourage partnerships that can drive the future of sports.
In addition, Dubai will showcase its state-of-the-art sports facilities and tourism attractions, offering guests a chance to explore the city’s sports venues and experience the local culture. This blend of professional development and leisure activities underscores Dubai’s position as a global sports destination.
The World Sports Summit in Dubai is set to be a landmark event in the world of global sports, bringing together a diverse group of leaders, athletes, and industry professionals to discuss the future of sport and its role in society. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s vision of using sport as a tool for unity, empowerment, and societal development will be the focal point of the summit. With influential sports figures, innovative discussions, and a strong commitment to international cooperation, the summit promises to shape the future of sports for generations to come.
