Dubai will host the inaugural World Sports Summit on December 29-30, 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah, bringing together sports legends, industry leaders, and decision-makers from across the globe.
The event, held under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, will feature over 70 speakers under the theme “Uniting the World Through Sports.”
Confirmed Speakers and Attendees
The summit boasts an extraordinary lineup of sports icons:
- Ronaldo Nazario – Brazilian football legend
- Khabib Nurmagomedov – Undefeated UFC lightweight champion
- Manny Pacquiao – Eight-division world boxing champion
- Paolo Maldini – Italian football icon
- Ons Jabeur – Tunisian tennis star
Officials and industry leaders attending include Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Dr Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, and Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
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Summit Agenda and Topics
The two-day summit will cover:
- Sports sector development strategies
- Technological innovation in athletics
- Inspiring athlete stories
- Investment trends in sports
- Women’s empowerment in sports
- Cultural impact of athletics
- Regional and international sporting excellence
The agenda goes beyond traditional conferences, aiming to foster dialogue, share expertise, and build partnerships across the global sports ecosystem.
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Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award
The summit will host the 13th edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award, honouring innovators and creatives across 16 categories.
This prestigious award recognises excellence in sports achievement, governance, societal impact, and the inspiration of future generations.
Sports Covered at the Summit
The event will address a comprehensive range of disciplines:
- Football, tennis, basketball
- Combat sports and martial arts
- Olympic and Paralympic sports
- Motorsports and horse racing
- Emerging modern disciplines
This broad scope reflects Dubai’s position as a hub connecting the international sports ecosystem.
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Dubai’s Sports Strategy
Khalfan Belhoul, Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, stated that hosting the summit aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision to cement its position as a global hub for leadership and innovation in sports.
“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,” Belhoul said.
The plan aims to position Dubai among the world’s top cities for attracting sports talent and hosting major international events.
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From Hosting Events to Leading Global Dialogue
Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, emphasised the significance of this moment.
“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.”
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Event Details
When: December 29-30, 2025
Where: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Theme: “Uniting the World Through Sports”
Speakers: 70+ confirmed including Ronaldo, Khabib, Pacquiao, Maldini, Ons Jabeur
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Key Takeaway
The Dubai World Sports Summit 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the emirate’s sports strategy, transitioning from event host to global sports dialogue leader. With legends like Ronaldo, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Manny Pacquiao among 70+ speakers at Madinat Jumeirah on December 29-30, the inaugural summit addresses sports development, technology, investment, and women’s empowerment. The event also hosts the 13th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award across 16 categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Dubai World Sports Summit 2025?
The inaugural Dubai World Sports Summit takes place on December 29-30, 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.
Which sports legends are speaking at the Dubai World Sports Summit?
Confirmed speakers include Ronaldo Nazario, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Manny Pacquiao, Paolo Maldini, and Ons Jabeur, along with over 70 other speakers from the global sports industry.
What is the theme of the Dubai World Sports Summit?
The summit’s theme is “Uniting the World Through Sports,” focusing on global collaboration, innovation, and the societal impact of athletics.
What topics will the Dubai World Sports Summit cover?
The summit addresses sports sector development, technological innovation, athlete stories, investment trends, women’s empowerment in sports, cultural impact, and regional sporting excellence.
Will there be awards at the Dubai World Sports Summit?
Yes, the summit hosts the 13th edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award, honouring innovators across 16 categories.
Who is organising the Dubai World Sports Summit?
The summit is held under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and organised by the Dubai Sports Council.
What sports will be discussed at the summit?
The summit covers football, tennis, basketball, combat sports, Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, motorsports, horse racing, and emerging modern sports.
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