Dubai Sports Council charts club support and 2033 targets as Sheikh Mansour previews World Sports Summit
Dubai Sports Council chair Sheikh Mansour chaired a board meeting to review club support, the Dubai Sports 2033 roadmap and preparations for the second World Sports Summit. The council announced progress on strategic initiatives and celebrated recent club successes, while committing to accelerate funding and governance reforms. Major international events for the second half of the year were confirmed as part of efforts to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global sports hub.
Sheikh Mansour reinforces Dubai’s leadership in sport
Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasised that Dubai continues to lead in launching initiatives that elevate sport globally and enhance city economies. He noted sport’s role in community empowerment, talent development, public health and quality of life. The chairman also commended the Ministry of Sports, the UAE Olympic Committee and national federations for their work across the season.
Board congratulates clubs for domestic promotion and continental achievements
The council extended congratulations to Dubai Basketball Club for reaching the Adriatic League final and securing two consecutive wins across the two-legged final staged in Dubai and Belgrade. Hatta Club was celebrated for winning the First Division title and securing promotion to the Pro League, while United earned promotion for the first time in its history as league runners-up. Palm City 365 was also honoured after claiming the new edition of the Federation Cup with victory over Hatta at Al Maktoum Stadium.
World Sports Summit preparations and legacy review
Members reviewed preparations for the second World Sports Summit, describing it as an increasingly prominent global platform for the sector. The board examined a detailed report on the inaugural summit, which attracted leading athletes, executives and decision-makers. Sheikh Mansour said the event has strengthened international collaboration among federations, organisers and investors to accelerate sport development.
Dubai Sports 2033 acceleration and club accelerator programme
The meeting looked at plans to fast-track support for government and private clubs through a club accelerator programme linking funding to performance indicators. Four government clubs — Al Wasl, Al Nasr, Shabab Al Ahli and Hatta — were identified for targeted support alongside 13 private clubs aimed at sustainable growth. The council set a commercial revenue target for clubs to reach 50 percent of total income by 2033, with finance tied to measurable KPIs.
Progress on strategic initiatives and governance milestones
The strategy committee reported that 74 percent of the strategic initiatives for 2025–2026 have begun implementation, with 17 high-impact initiatives ready for launch. The committee highlighted measures to streamline event hosting procedures and attract major international championships to support Dubai’s tourism and economic objectives. The board also approved the reconstitution of several governance committees to enhance institutional efficiency.
Major sporting events scheduled for the second half of the year
The council reviewed an extensive events calendar for the remainder of the year, which includes the World Sports Summit, the FIFA Awards, the Polo World Cup and the Women’s Triathlon World Cup. Dubai will also host global tours and world cups across volleyball, beach badminton, golf, three-on-three basketball, SailGP, rugby sevens, padel and elite triathlon races. Additional events confirmed include the Dubai Desert Rally, Ultra Trail Dubai in Hatta, the Dubai Marathon, fitness festivals and regional qualifiers in basketball.
The board framed the event slate as central to growing sports tourism, attracting international talent and bolstering the city’s live-sport economy. Members stressed coordination with public and private partners to maximise commercial returns and legacy benefits for local clubs.
Majid Al Asimi received formal congratulations from the chairman after being awarded an honorary doctorate in management by a Seoul-based national university. The board underscored Al Asimi’s contributions to advancing Paralympic sport and initiatives for athletes of determination at regional and global levels. The meeting concluded with the adoption of four standing committees to oversee event hosting, football, investment and sports development.
Dubai Sports Council’s board meeting reinforced the emirate’s strategy to combine elite event hosting with club professionalisation and sustainable financing. The council signalled that continued investment in governance, commercialisation and international partnerships will remain central to delivering Dubai Sports 2033 and raising the global profile of sport in the emirate.
