Dubai launches visionary 2033 plan to become world’s top sporting city
New initiatives to nurture talent, empower clubs and engage communities
DUBAI – Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), has launched the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 – a comprehensive blueprint designed to transform Dubai into the world’s top sporting city within the next decade.
The plan outlines an integrated framework to strengthen competitiveness, unlock economic potential and elevate Dubai’s position as a global hub for sport, innovation and community wellbeing.
The launch ceremony took place at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, where Sheikh Mansoor also unveiled Dubai’s new sports identity – a unifying emblem chosen from thousands of submissions by designers and creatives. The new identity embodies the emirate’s ambition to become an international centre for sporting excellence and innovation.
Mansoor bin Mohammed: In the next phase, our focus will be on empowering both public and private clubs to reach international standards, expanding community participation and developing world-class facilities and infrastructure that reflect Dubai’s ambition and capability. Our… pic.twitter.com/uyUAZkFkFE
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 13, 2025
Attended by local and international athletes, federation representatives, officials and partners, the event highlighted the four key pillars of the strategic plan: Community, Events, Clubs, and Talent. Together, these pillars form the foundation of a long-term vision that seeks to enhance Dubai’s sporting infrastructure, nurture talent and foster a vibrant, active society.
Vision for 2033
In his address, Sheikh Mansoor emphasised that the plan represents a forward-looking commitment to developing a dynamic, inclusive and globally competitive sports ecosystem.
“We have launched a comprehensive and forward-looking vision for the future of sport in Dubai, one that enhances the sector’s competitiveness, creates new opportunities, nurtures young talent and strengthens Dubai’s global reputation as a centre for sporting excellence,” he said.
He added that the next phase will focus on empowering both public and private clubs to meet international standards, expanding community participation and developing world-class facilities that reflect Dubai’s ambition and capability.
Under the plan, Dubai aims to increase the sports sector’s contribution to GDP from Dh10.17 billion to Dh18.3 billion annually by 2033. The number of residents actively participating in sports is expected to grow from 1.6 million to 2.6 million, while annual attendance at major sports events will rise from 1.67 million to 4.1 million.
Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan
The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 is anchored in 19 programmes and 75 initiatives, designed to ensure measurable progress across all areas of the sports ecosystem. Each initiative contributes to a broader objective – enhancing infrastructure, expanding participation, nurturing talent and driving innovation.
The plan categorises 17 priority sports into three main segments:
- Emerging Sports, including padel, combat sports and Esports, which are rapidly gaining popularity among youth and professionals.
- Community Sports, such as running, swimming and cycling, which encourage health and public engagement.
- Sports with Global Reach, including golf, cricket and basketball, which combine international appeal with substantial economic potential.
The framework promotes alignment with Dubai’s wider economic and social strategies, ensuring that sport becomes both a driver of economic growth and a cornerstone of wellbeing and social cohesion.
Empowering clubs and communities
Sheikh Mansoor underscored the importance of community engagement and collaboration between public and private sectors in achieving the plan’s goals. “Sport is a fundamental pillar of Dubai’s vision for a vibrant and cohesive society. It promotes wellbeing, brings people together and inspires progress,” he said.
He called on clubs, federations and individuals to play an active role in delivering the objectives of the strategic plan. The Dubai Sports Council will work closely with local and international partners to expand opportunities for athletes, encourage youth participation and promote inclusivity in all sporting disciplines.
The plan will also be prominently featured at the World Sports Summit, scheduled to take place in Dubai at the end of December. The event will bring together international sports stars, decision-makers, officials and representatives of leading federations and companies to explore partnerships and showcase Dubai’s growing influence in the global sports arena.
Governance and future outlook
To ensure effective implementation, the Dubai Sports Council will introduce a robust governance and monitoring framework. This includes the establishment of clear performance indicators and strengthened coordination between government bodies and private entities. The approach aims to guarantee project sustainability, improve investment efficiency and ensure that all initiatives align with Dubai’s wider development goals.
The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 supports 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 also complements the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the role of sport as both a lifestyle and an industry of strategic importance.