Dubai marked a milestone on the global sports calendar as the World Sports Summit brought together leaders, athletes, investors, and policymakers at Madinat Jumeirah on December 29–30. Organised by the Dubai Sports Council and held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the two-day event cemented Dubai's status as a hub for serious global conversations around sport, leadership, and community impact.
Sheikh Hamdan Sets the Tone for Global Sport
Sheikh Hamdan welcomed participants arriving for the World Sports Summit, noting the presence of international federation presidents, senior sports officials, investors, athletes, and policymakers. He emphasised that Dubai continues to support global efforts that reinforce sport at both individual and community levels. His remarks highlighted sport as a shared language that encourages unity and positive outcomes for societies worldwide.
He described the summit as the first of its kind to originate in the UAE, creating space for open dialogue on sports development, future direction, legislation, and international agreements. "Sport plays a powerful role in strengthening societies worldwide," Sheikh Hamdan said, placing collective effort and cooperation through sport at the centre of his vision.
Inside the World Sports Summit in Dubai
The World Sports Summit ran from December 29 to December 30 at Madinat Jumeirah and was organised by the Dubai Sports Council. Carrying the theme "Uniting the World Through Sport," the summit featured more than 70 speakers from international sport — leaders, stars, and legends who participated in discussions, panels, and keynote sessions focused on sport's role in societies.
The summit aligns with the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, particularly its focus on hosting major international sporting events and strengthening Dubai's global sports presence. The programme also included curated activities allowing guests to experience sports, tourism, and cultural offerings throughout the city alongside the main sessions.
Global Recognition and Major Awards
A major highlight of the summit was the presentation of the 13th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award — the largest of its kind based on prize value and category range. The award recognised achievements by sports figures, officials, champions, and institutions from the UAE, the Arab world, and the wider international sports community.
The award also honoured legendary athletes whose achievements continue to influence generations, including those who have stepped away from competition while leaving a lasting legacy in global sport. This segment of the summit placed focus on excellence, dedication, and long-term contribution to sport worldwide.
Star-Powered Lineup and Opening Day Speakers
The opening day featured a keynote from FIFA President Gianni Infantino titled "The Next 90 Minutes," preceded by remarks from Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
The summit's speaker list spanned virtually every major sporting discipline: Novak Djokovic discussed the longevity behind his 24 Grand Slam titles; boxing legends Manny Pacquiao and Oleksandr Usyk shared the stage; and Ons Jabeur and Paula Badosa appeared together for a tennis panel. Other headline participants included Khabib Nurmagomedov, Ronaldo Nazario, Paolo Maldini, and Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Recreational activities including padel and family programmes were also scheduled as part of the summit experience.
The World Sports Summit positioned Dubai as a meeting point for serious global conversations around sport, leadership, and community impact. With direct support from Sheikh Hamdan and participation from the highest levels of international sport, the summit placed focus on cooperation, responsibility, and shared progress — reinforcing Dubai's ambition to be the world's leading sports city by 2033.
