Dubai strengthens position as global hub for sports economy, targets $5 billion contribution by 2033

Dubai is stepping up its push to position the emirate as a global hub for the sports economy through the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, targeting a $5 billion contribution by 2033. Under the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, Dubai aims to raise sports’ annual GDP contribution from AED 10.17 billion (about $2.77 billion) to AED 18.3 billion (about $5 billion), an increase of roughly 80%. The plan also targets a rise in attendance at major sporting events from 1.67 million people per year to more than 4.1 million, alongside up to a 250% increase in major events. Officials link the growth to sports tourism, broadcasting rights, sponsorship, content creation, and sport-linked digital economic activity. Dubai hosts more than 400 local and international events annually, plus around 100 training camps. The article highlights the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships as a key recurring event and quotes Salah Tahlak, tournament director, on its role in boosting tourism and investment appeal. It also references the Dubai Marathon’s standing among leading marathons, though the text cuts off before detailing targets.