Dubai hosted the inaugural World Sports Summit, attracting over 1,500 industry leaders and focusing on the future of global sports. The two-day event, which concluded on December 31, 2025, highlighted athlete welfare, technological innovation, and the evolving business landscape of international athletics. Discussions ranged from fan engagement to the role of artificial intelligence in sports performance.
Organized by the Dubai Sports Council under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the summit featured prominent figures including athletes, federation presidents, and team executives. Attendees explored strategies for growth and sustainability within the sports sector, aligning with Dubai’s ambitious economic goals. Notable participants included UFC fighter Michael “Venom” Page, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al Khelaifi.
The Rising Importance of Global Sports Investment
The World Sports Summit underscored Dubai’s growing ambition to become a central hub for the global sports industry. The city has significantly invested in sports infrastructure, regularly hosting international competitions across various disciplines, including football, tennis, golf, and cricket. This investment reflects a broader strategy to diversify the economy and enhance its international profile.
According to organizers, a key theme was the increasing need for patience and consistent effort in achieving athletic success. This resonated with speakers like Michael “Venom” Page, who emphasized the importance of dedication even amidst setbacks. Manny Pacquiao echoed this sentiment, adding the importance of legacy and inspiring future generations.
Innovation and Technology in Athletics
Discussions extended beyond traditional athletic training and competition to explore the impact of technology. Several sessions focused on applications of artificial intelligence in areas like performance analysis, injury prevention, and fan experience. The integration of data analytics and AI is transforming how teams and athletes approach training and strategy.
Additionally, the summit addressed evolving fan engagement strategies. With a shift towards digital consumption, sports organizations are looking at new ways to connect with audiences and build communities beyond the stadium.
Focus on Athlete Wellbeing & Women’s Sports
Athlete mental and physical wellbeing took center stage, with panels dedicated to providing support systems and fostering a healthier environment for competitors. The summit also highlighted the importance of developing women’s sports worldwide. Strategies for increasing participation, visibility, and investment in female athletics were extensively examined.
Day one featured high-profile tennis players Novak Djokovic, Ons Jabeur, and Paula Badosa, alongside boxing icons Manny Pacquiao and Oleksandr Usyk, and football star Ronaldo Nazario. Day two saw participation from MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, Italian football legends Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero, and former NBA players transitioning into sports management roles.
The event directly supports the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, which aims to double the sector’s economic contribution to 18.3 billion dirhams (approximately €4.25 billion). This ambitious plan demonstrates Dubai’s long-term commitment to becoming a leading global sports destination.
The World Sports Summit concluded with a clear message: the global sports industry is undergoing rapid transformation. Dubai is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this evolution, attracting investment, fostering innovation, and prioritizing athlete welfare. It will be important to watch how these discussions translate into concrete actions and shape the future of global sports in the coming years.
