Dubai has further strengthened its position as a global hub for sports leadership and strategic decision-making with the successful hosting of the World Sports Summit, signalling a shift from being a premier venue for major events to actively shaping the international sports agenda.
Held on December 29 and 30 at Madinat Jumeirah, the summit was organised under the theme *“Uniting the World Through Sport.”* The event brought together over 1,500 sports leaders, policymakers, investors, and decision-makers from nearly 50 countries. High-level discussions focused on key areas such as sports investment, digital transformation, governance reforms, community empowerment, and the role of sport in sustainable development.
One of the major outcomes of the summit was a shared global understanding on the use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to enhance sports performance, management, and fan engagement. The platform also facilitated new cross-border investment partnerships and led to the launch of international initiatives aimed at promoting creativity, innovation, and sustainability within the sports industry.
Launched in 2025 as an annual forum aligned with the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, the World Sports Summit is designed to contribute to global sports policymaking and position sport as a significant economic and knowledge-driven sector.
The inaugural edition also featured the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Sports Award and the signing of strategic partnerships to advance innovation, investment, and infrastructure across the global sports ecosystem.
