As Dubai prepares to host the inaugural World Sports Summit from 29 to 30 December 2025, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has underlined the pivotal role that sport plays in shaping societies and empowering communities. The summit, organized by the Dubai Sports Council under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan, will bring together global sports leaders, athletes, decision-makers, and investors for a two-day event focused on the future of sports worldwide. The summit aims to explore the role of sport in development and its ability to unite and inspire people across borders.
Sheikh Hamdan’s Vision for Sport
In his address, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the World Sports Summit would serve as a unique platform for collaboration and dialogue. “This summit will bring together sports leaders, specialists, and individuals with proven leadership from across the global sports sector,” he said. The event’s theme, ‘Uniting the World Through Sport’, reflects his vision of sport as a unifying force that transcends national and cultural boundaries.
The summit’s strategic goals are to strengthen international cooperation, foster talent development, and create opportunities for dialogue on sports development. According to Sheikh Hamdan, sport has a crucial role in empowering communities and inspiring future generations. He also highlighted that through this event, Dubai aims to lay the foundation for future sports initiatives that will help shape the global sports landscape. The Crown Prince added, “We are committed to launching pioneering initiatives and bringing the world together in Dubai to help shape the future of sport.”
A First-of-Its-Kind Event
The World Sports Summit is the first event of its kind to be organized in the UAE, setting Dubai at the center of global sports dialogue. It brings together prominent figures from every corner of the sports sector, including international sports federations, national sports bodies, investors, and athletes. Over 70 speakers will share their insights during the summit, including key leaders and legends from a wide range of sports.
This inaugural gathering will allow stakeholders to engage in discussions on shaping the future of sports through effective strategic initiatives, legislation, and agreements. Sheikh Hamdan described it as a unique event that would have a long-lasting impact on the global sports community.
Honoring Excellence in Sport
Aligned with the summit’s overarching goals, the World Sports Summit will also honor some of the most influential figures in sport today. The event will host the 13th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award, one of the most prestigious awards in global sports. The award recognizes outstanding achievements by sports figures, officials, and organizations, celebrating excellence in both performance and leadership. The award categories include recognition for athletes, coaches, and sports institutions that have made significant contributions to the global sports community.
The presence of global sports icons at the summit underscores the importance of honoring those who have shaped the world of sports. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award ceremony will celebrate these figures and help further solidify Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for sports and events.
Global Participation and Prominent Figures
The World Sports Summit has already attracted high-profile participants from around the world. Notable figures include FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who will address attendees on the opening day, Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic, MMA world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tunisian tennis champion Ons Jabeur, and football legends such as Ronaldo Nazario, Paolo Maldini, and Peter Crouch.
These athletes and leaders, along with many others, will contribute to the discussions on the current state of sport and the role it plays in shaping societies and cultures. Their involvement highlights the global nature of the summit and the importance of having leaders from various sectors of sport involved in strategic conversations.
Summit Agenda and Activities
The summit’s agenda includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops that will delve into the future of sports and its influence on societal development. Topics will cover everything from sports governance and youth development to sports technology and the future of global sports economics. One of the key sessions, titled “The Next 90 Minutes” by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, will focus on the future of football and its potential to engage a new generation of fans worldwide.
Before the summit begins, activities such as sporting competitions, including padel and other recreational sports, will take place to allow participants to enjoy Dubai’s offerings in sports and tourism. Participants will also be treated to family-friendly activities, safari visits, and guided tours of Dubai’s sports and resort facilities, giving them a chance to experience the best of the city’s sports tourism infrastructure.
Strengthening Dubai’s Global Sports Position
The World Sports Summit is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to become a leading global hub for sports. The event aligns with the goals outlined in the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, which aims to enhance Dubai’s position on the world stage as a center for sports tourism, international events, and athletic excellence. Dubai has long been home to prestigious sporting events, and hosting this summit is a natural extension of the city’s growing role in the global sports arena.
Through this summit, Dubai is positioning itself as not only a prime destination for international sports events but also a leader in sports governance, development, and innovation. The strategic partnerships formed during this event will likely foster long-term collaborations that will benefit the global sports sector.
The inaugural World Sports Summit in Dubai represents a milestone in the global sports community’s efforts to unite and shape the future of sports. With its high-profile participation, comprehensive agenda, and commitment to sports development, the summit promises to be an influential event that will shape the way sports impact societies worldwide. As Dubai continues to elevate its position as a leading global destination for sports, the World Sports Summit will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in fostering greater international collaboration and cooperation in the sports industry.
