A composite photo of Manny Pacquiao and Khabib Nurmagomedov. ARCHIVE

Dubai is set to host the inaugural World Sports Summit this December er, gathering some of the world’s biggest sports legends, leaders and decision-makers under one roof. Held under the directives of 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, the summit will be held  on December 29 and 30 at Madinat Jumeirah, themed “Uniting the World Through Sports.” The event aims to serve as a global platform for discussions on the future of sports, innovation, investment and social impact. More than 70 international speakers have been confirmed, including boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, football greats Ronaldo Nazario and Paolo Maldini, tennis star Ons Jabeur, and other influential figures from across the global sports industry. Senior officials and industry leaders such as Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Dr Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, and Nasser Al-Khelaifi are also expected to attend. Speaking at a press conference in Dubai, Khalfan Belhoul, Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, said the summit reflects Dubai’s long-term strategy to lead the global sports sector. “Hosting the World Sports Summit aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision to cement its position as a global hub for leadership and innovation in the sports sector. Sports today have become a major driver of economic growth and a key element in enhancing quality of life and building healthier, more cohesive communities,” he said. Belhoul added that the initiative supports Dubai’s ambition to attract sports talent and major international events, while promoting sports as a humanitarian and social force. “This reflects the enduring philosophy rooted in the UAE’s national identity that regards sports as a humanitarian message before being a competition, and views sports innovation as encompassing achievements, governance, societal impact and the inspiration of future generations,” he said. Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said Dubai’s strong reputation in global sports made the summit a natural progression. “Dubai’s global reputation in the sports field has been established through years of international partnerships, investment in infrastructure, human resource development and creativity in the professional organisation of global events,” Hareb said. “This natural progression has led to the establishment of the World Sports Summit, not as an isolated event but as a platform transitioning Dubai from hosting events to leading global sports dialogue.” Meanwhile, Essa Sharif Al Marzouqi, President of the World Sports Summit, said the event will go beyond traditional conferences. “The Summit’s innovative design offers an integrated experience going beyond traditional conferences. The sessions aim to foster dialogue, share expertise and build partnerships,” he said. Topics will include sports sector development, performance improvement, innovation and technology, investment trends, women’s empowerment, inspiring athlete stories, and the cultural and societal impact of sports. The summit will also host the 13th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award, recognising innovators and creatives across 16 categories. Covering disciplines ranging from football, tennis and basketball to combat sports, motorsports, Olympic and Paralympic events, the World Sports Summit reinforces Dubai’s growing role as a global connector for the international sports ecosystem. ICA/Expat Media
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