Clubs and academies welcome Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033

Clubs and academies have welcomed the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, recently unveiled by Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), describing it as a comprehensive vision that will drive growth, development, and excellence across Dubai’s sports sector.

The plan aims to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness, unlock its economic potential and lays out ambitious goals for Dubai to become the world’s top sporting city by 2033.

A special event was organised by the Dubai Sports Council at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex outlining the plan’s key pillars and objectives.

Sheikh Mansoor also unveiled Dubai’s new sports identity, which will serve as a unifying symbol for the emirate’s sporting ecosystem. Chosen from thousands of public submissions by designers and creatives, the new emblem represents the beginning of a new chapter for sport in Dubai, reflecting the city’s ambition to be among the world’s leading destinations for athletes, sporting events and innovation in sport.

The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 is built around four main pillars: Community, Events, Clubs, and Talent. Overseen by the Dubai Sports Council, the plan’s 19 programmes and 75 initiatives are designed to enhance sports infrastructure, increase community participation, promote active lifestyles and nurture promising talent through world-class training and development systems.

The plan also identifies 17 priority sports within three categories: Emerging Sports, such as padel, combat sports and Esports, which are experiencing rapid growth; Community Sports, such as running and swimming, which encourage engagement and public health; and Sports with Global Reach, such as golf, cricket and basketball, which combine broad appeal with significant economic value.

Ali Al Arif, CEO of World Padel Academy, said: Dubai’s Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 marks a defining moment and padel stands to benefit significantly from this vision. The government’s focus on expanding participation, enhancing infrastructure, and elevating sports delivery places padel in a central position within the nation’s long-term strategy.

“Over the coming years, we expect accelerated growth in high-quality facilities, talent development pathways, and international-standard events. Dubai is signalling strong confidence in emerging sports, and this creates a tremendous platform for padel to continue its rise as one of the country’s most dynamic and accessible sports.”

By 2033, the announced plan aims to increase the contribution of the sports sector to Dubai’s GDP from Dhs10.17 billion to Dhs18.3 billion annually, grow the number of residents actively involved in sports from Dhs1.6 million to Dhs2.6 million, and raise attendance at major events hosted in Dubai each year from Dhs1.67 million to Dhs4.1 million participants.

“Padel is uniquely positioned to support Dubai’s target of increasing active residents by one million. Its inclusive nature, simple learning curve, and strong social appeal make it an ideal entry point for individuals and families looking to adopt a more active lifestyle, Arif added.

“At WPA, we are committed to creating community-driven experiences,through academies, social events, junior programmes, corporate initiatives, and open days that make it easy for people to participate and stay engaged. When you bring people together in a welcoming environment, participation becomes a habit, and that is exactly what drives long-term behavioural change.”

Sabir Sayad, who manages sports management and is associated with Goan soccer and cricket clubs also welcomed the announcement. 

“Sport is a cornerstone of Dubai’s vision for a vibrant, united society. It fosters wellbeing, unites communities, and inspires continuous growth and progress.

The World Sports Summit, scheduled in Dubai, will showcase the strategic plan’s priorities and Dubai’s new sporting identity, drawing international personalities and key industry figures. The vision aligns with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to integrate community improvement, excellence, and sound governance for durable impact.