Dubai has set out a bold roadmap to become the world’s leading sporting city with the launch of the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 – an ambitious framework aimed at boosting the emirate’s global standing in elite competition, community sport and the fast-growing sports tourism sector.
Unveiled by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the strategy outlines a comprehensive vision centred on competitiveness and sustainable industry growth, all while significantly expanding Dubai’s position as a magnet for international sporting events and visitors.
At a launch ceremony held at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, Mansoor bin Mohammed affirmed that the plan “enhances the sector’s competitiveness, creates new opportunities, nurtures young talent and strengthens Dubai’s global reputation as a centre for sporting excellence”.
The plan is built on four strategic pillars – Community, Events, Clubs, and Talent – and includes 19 programmes and 75 initiatives developed to modernise infrastructure, expand participation, attract elite talent and cement Dubai as a global sports hub.
Driving growth in events and attendance
For the sports tourism sector, the numbers paint a transformative picture. By 2033, Dubai aims to:
- Increase major sports event attendance from 1.67 million to 4.1 million annually
- Raise the economic contribution of sport from AED10.17 billion (US$2.77 billion) to AED18.3 billion (US$4.99 billion)
- Triple active community participation to 2.6 million residents
This anticipated boom in spectatorship and participation is expected to dramatically increase inbound travel, hotel stays, venue utilisation and international media exposure – strengthening Dubai’s already robust sports events calendar, which includes global fixtures in golf, tennis, motorsport, running, football and more.
The plan also identifies 17 priority sports across Emerging Sports (padel, combat sports, Esports), Community Sports (running, swimming) and Global Reach Sports (golf, cricket, basketball) – all of which are poised for expansion through international events and tourism-focused initiatives.
Empowering clubs, athletes and communities
Mansoor bin Mohammed emphasised that Dubai will “empower both public and private clubs to reach international standards” while investing heavily in world-class facilities, training systems and grassroots development. This includes major community-driven sports tourism initiatives such as:
- Dubai District Games (football, 3×3 basketball, volleyball, badminton)
- The expanded Sheikha Hind Women’s Sports Initiative, expected to engage more than 200,000 women
- A significantly enlarged School Games Programme featuring 26 sports
- New youth centres, People of Determination programmes, and labour community competitions
These initiatives not only increase local participation, but also elevate Dubai’s profile as an active year-round sporting city – a key driver of community-based sports tourism.
A sports-centric city of the future
Aligned with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the plan embeds sport into future urban design, ensuring new communities feature integrated sporting infrastructure. This aligns with Dubai’s broader aim of becoming the world’s most active city, positioning sport as a driver of wellbeing, economic growth and destination competitiveness.
New era for sports tourism in Dubai
As Dubai pushes toward its goal of becoming the world’s leading sports destination by 2033, the Strategic Plan lays the foundation for:
- More international events
- Larger annual attendances
- Increased global visitor numbers
- New investment opportunities
- Enhanced athlete development and training tourism
- Stronger community engagement
Dubai’s rapid rise as a global sports hub is anchored by a packed calendar of flagship events and attractions. The city hosts major events and festivals including the Dubai Fitness Challenge and World Sports Summit, alongside international competitions such as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Dubai World Cup, DP World Tour Championship, Dubai Desert Classic, Emirates Dubai 7s, and the Dubai Marathon. Attractions like Hamdan Sports Complex, Coca-Cola Arena, Meydan Racecourse, Expo City Dubai, and kilometres of scenic cycling and running tracks make the emirate a year-round destination for spectators, athletes and sports-minded travellers seeking elite action and immersive experiences.
For more information see dubaisc.ae and visitdubai.com
Main image: Dubai Run, part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, is one of the city’s most popular sports events (Credit: dubairun.com)
[…] Dubai has just unveiled its bold new roadmap to become one of the world’s top sporting cities. The Dubai Sports Council (DSC)’s Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 aims to transform the emirate’s sports ecosystem — and in doing so, it opens up fresh, powerful opportunities for real estate investors, homeowners, and the global community eyeing Dubai’s long-term potential. Sports Tourism News […]