His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, chaired a meeting of the Council’s Board of Directors to review strategic initiatives, development projects, and major sporting events aimed at further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global sports hub.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mansoor said Dubai continues to lead initiatives that advance the global sports sector while increasing its contribution to communities and economies. He highlighted the role of sport in promoting wellbeing, nurturing talent, and enhancing quality of life.

He also praised the efforts of the Ministry of Sports, the UAE National Olympic Committee, sports federations, and clubs during the previous season, noting that strong competition plays a vital role in improving team performance and raising athletes’ competitiveness on both local and international stages.

The board reviewed preparations for the second edition of the World Sports Summit, which has emerged as a growing international platform bringing together sports leaders, policymakers, organizers, and investors. Members also assessed the outcomes of the inaugural edition, which attracted participants from across the global sports industry. Sheikh Mansoor said the summit had strengthened collaboration across the sector and contributed to efforts to advance the global sports ecosystem.

The meeting also examined plans to expand support for government and private sports clubs through the Club Accelerators Program. The initiative currently covers four government-owned clubs — Al Wasl, Al Nasr, Shabab Al Ahli, and Hatta — alongside 13 private clubs. The program aims to drive sustainable growth by linking funding to performance indicators and increasing commercial and private-sector revenues to account for 50% of total club revenues by 2033.

Council members reviewed progress on the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, with a report showing that 74% of initiatives scheduled for 2025 and 2026 have entered the implementation phase. A further 17 initiatives are ready to be launched as part of efforts to build an integrated and professional sports ecosystem. The report also highlighted measures to streamline the hosting of major international sporting events, supporting Dubai’s tourism and economic ambitions.

The board reviewed a packed calendar of events scheduled for the second half of 2026, including the World Sports Summit, FIFA Awards, Polo World Cup, Women’s Triathlon World Cup, Volleyball World Tour, Badminton World Cup, DP World Tour Championship, FIBA 3×3 World Tour, Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by DP World, Dubai International Baja, Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, Dubai Premier Padel P1, and the T100 Triathlon.

Additional events include the Dubai Fitness Challenge, Dubai HYROX, Dubai Pro Bodybuilding, Dubai District Games, Dubai Muscle Show, Ultra Trail Dubai in Hatta, the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers, Dubai Marathon, and Dubai Sports World.

The meeting also reviewed initiatives across the Council’s strategic priorities, including community engagement, talent development, clubs, events, infrastructure, investment, and information systems.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Dubai Sports Council approved the formation of board committees for its new term, including the Global Events Hosting and Organizing Committee, Football Committee, Investment and Projects Committee, and Sports Development Committee, to strengthen governance and institutional effectiveness.