Dubai is set to reaffirm its position at the centre of the global sports conversation with the launch of the World Sports Summit, a landmark gathering that will bring together sporting legends, global leaders, innovators and decision makers on one unified platform to help shape the future of sport.
Press conference announcing the event
Held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and under the supervision of the Dubai Sports Council, the Summit will take place from December 29 to 30, 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah, under the theme “Uniting the World Through Sports.”
Positioned as the largest global gathering of its kind, the World Sports Summit aligns closely with the objectives of the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, reinforcing Dubai’s long-term vision to lead global sports dialogue while strengthening the sector’s economic, social and cultural impact.
More than 70 speakers from across the international sports ecosystem will take part, spanning athletes, federation leaders, investors, innovators and policymakers. The line-up includes an exceptional roster of global figures such as His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Excellency Dr Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Ronaldo Nazario, Paolo Maldini, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Manny Pacquiao, Reggie Bush, Ons Jabeur and Nick Santonastasso, with additional influential names set to be announced in the coming days. Together, they will share insights drawn from sporting excellence, leadership, humanitarian impact and innovation, positioning the Summit as a rare convergence of experience and vision.
Speaking during the Summit’s announcement, H.E. Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, emphasised that the event reflects Dubai’s commitment to positioning sport as a driver of economic growth, quality of life and social cohesion. He noted that sport today extends far beyond competition, acting as a powerful force for innovation, governance and global connection.
The Summit’s first edition also aligns with the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, overseen by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. The plan aims to strengthen Dubai’s standing among the world’s leading sports cities, attract top talent, host major international events, and support every layer of the sports ecosystem.
This vision reflects a deeply rooted philosophy within the UAE: sport as a humanitarian message as much as a competitive pursuit, with innovation defined not only by achievement, but by governance, societal impact and the inspiration of future generations.
Across two days, the Summit will host more than 20 keynote sessions exploring the present and future of the global sports industry. Topics will range from technical performance and athlete development to the evolving role of sports icons as influential societal figures. Technology and AI will take centre stage, alongside discussions on governance, policy, diplomacy and investment trends.
A strong focus will be placed on women’s empowerment in sport, cultural impact and inspiring human stories that transcend competition. The programme will also address the challenge of engaging younger generations, examining digital behaviour, fan engagement, content creation and how global events can leave meaningful, long-term legacies.
Reflecting the diversity of modern sport, the Summit will cover everything from football, basketball and tennis to combat sports, Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, equestrian and cycling sports, motorsports, fitness and contemporary lifestyle-driven sports shaped by innovation.
Running alongside the Summit will be the 13th edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. First launched in 2008, the award has evolved to recognise not only athletic excellence, but also creativity, innovation and societal impact across 16 diverse categories.
This year’s honourees will include athletes, teams, institutions and initiatives that have contributed meaningfully to the development of sport on local, regional and global levels, reinforcing Dubai’s belief in sport as a force for progress and positive change.
