Dubai aims to grow sports economy by 80% by 2033

Dubai is aggressively expanding its sports economy, targeting an 80% increase in its contribution to GDP by 2033. The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 aims to raise the sector's economic impact from Dhs10.17 billion to Dhs18.3 billion annually.

This ambitious growth hinges on attracting more international tournaments and events, developing advanced infrastructure, and fostering an integrated ecosystem encompassing investment, tourism, technology, and sports media. The plan also seeks to significantly boost attendance at major sporting events, from 1.67 million to over 4.1 million annually, and increase the number of hosted events by up to 250%.

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the tournament's continued success reflects Dubai's leading position in hosting major sporting events, noting that international tournaments have become an influential platform for supporting the economy, tourism and the global promotion of the emirate, while enhancing its attractiveness for investment and sports partnerships.

The sports sector is identified as a key pillar of the new economy under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Growth drivers include sports tourism, broadcasting rights, commercial sponsorship, content creation, and the digital sports economy. Dubai already hosts over 400 local and international sporting events and around 100 training camps annually, transforming these into sustainable economic drivers that benefit hospitality, tourism, aviation, retail, and services sectors.

Events like the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and the Dubai Marathon are cited as prime examples of how major sporting competitions attract global stars and participants, generating significant economic benefits and enhancing Dubai's profile as a global sporting and investment destination. Tournament Director Salah Tahlak emphasized the influential role of international tournaments in supporting the economy and tourism, while Dubai Marathon General Coordinator Ahmed Al Kamali noted sport's importance as an economic driver.

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sport represents an important economic driver for the emirate, given the tourism, investme