H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed launches Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), today launched the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, outlining a comprehensive vision to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness, unlock economic potential and position Dubai as the world’s top sporting city by 2033. 

At a special event held at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, the Dubai Sports Council presented the plan’s core pillars and objectives to an audience of local and international sports stars, industry leaders, federations, academies, and key partners. 

His Highness also unveiled Dubai’s new sports identity, chosen from thousands of public submissions, which will serve as a unifying symbol for the emirate’s sporting ecosystem and reflect its ambition to become a global hub for athletes, major events and innovation. 

His Highness emphasised that the plan marks a long-term commitment to building a world-class sports sector that nurtures talent, boosts community participation and drives sustainable industry growth. “We have launched a forward-looking vision that enhances competitiveness, creates new opportunities and strengthens Dubai’s global reputation as a centre for sporting excellence,” he said. 

He added that the next phase will focus on empowering public and private clubs, expanding community participation and developing world-class facilities that reflect Dubai’s ambition and capability.

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Ambitious Goals for a Thriving Sector

Built around four pillars—Community, Events, Clubs and Talent—the plan includes 19 programmes and 75 initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, increasing participation, promoting active lifestyles and developing talent through world-class training systems. 

It also identifies 17 priority sports across three categories: Emerging Sports (such as padel, combat sports and Esports), Community Sports (running, swimming), and Sports with Global Reach (golf, cricket, basketball). 

By 2033, the plan targets an increase in the sports sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP from AED 10.17 billion to AED 18.3 billion, growth in active residents from 1.6 million to 2.6 million, and an increase in annual major-event attendance from 1.67 million to 4.1 million. 

His Highness stated that the Dubai Sports Council will work closely with public and private partners to achieve these goals, making sport a key driver of health, happiness and economic growth.

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Empowering Clubs, Athletes and Communities

“Sport is a cornerstone of Dubai’s vision for a vibrant and cohesive society,” His Highness noted, calling on all entities and individuals to support the plan. He also directed that the plan’s objectives and new sports identity be showcased at the World Sports Summit in Dubai this December, which will gather global sports leaders, federations and institutions. 

The plan aligns with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and supervised by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It aims to build an integrated sports system that advances community development, competitive excellence and strong governance, supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

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Governance and Implementation

The Dubai Sports Council will implement clear governance frameworks, performance indicators and strengthened collaboration with government and private sector partners to ensure sustainable, efficient investment in sports infrastructure. 

The new strategic plan reinforces Dubai’s commitment to a healthy, active and sustainable society, solidifying its position as the region’s sports capital and a global destination for athletes, talent and investors, while enhancing its standing in global happiness and quality-of-life indices.