The Dubai Sports Council has announced an exciting and ambitious goal to increase the number of people actively involved in sports in Dubai to 2.6 million by 2033. This goal is part of a new plan called the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033. The plan was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
This plan is designed to shape the future of sports in Dubai. It aims to make Dubai one of the world’s top sports cities while encouraging people from all walks of life to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. This article explains the plan, its main projects, and how it hopes to make sports a part of everyday life in Dubai.
A Vision for a Healthier More Active Dubai
Dubai wants to become the most active and sports friendly city in the world. The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 lays out a clear vision for how this will happen. The plan focuses on four key areas which work together to create a strong and healthy sports community
Community getting more people involved in sports at every level
Events hosting exciting local and international sports competitions
Clubs supporting sports clubs to grow and improve
Talent helping athletes develop their skills and reach their potential
The plan includes 19 programmes and 75 projects. All of these are designed to create a sports system that is sustainable inclusive and fun for everyone in Dubai.
Making Dubai the World’s Most Active City
His Excellency Khalfan Jumaa Belhoul Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council explained the importance of the plan. He said the goal is to improve people’s health and happiness by making sports a bigger part of their lives. Dubai wants to triple the number of people who play sports regularly aiming for 2.6 million active participants by 2033.
The plan offers a variety of programmes designed to reach all groups in society. For example there will be sports activities for senior citizens events in parks and neighborhood centers and special tournaments for People of Determination to help them take part fully in sports and social life.
Women and youth will also be a major focus. The plan includes women’s tournaments youth activities and sports programmes in schools. There will be many events throughout the year to encourage everyone in Dubai to stay active and healthy.
Key Community Programmes and Projects
Dubai District Games
One of the most exciting new projects is the Dubai District Games. This programme is designed to encourage people to live healthy lifestyles and strengthen community bonds through friendly sports competitions.
The games will feature four popular sports
Football
3×3 Basketball
Volleyball
Badminton
More than 3800 people aged 18 and older will take part in these games. The competitions will last for 16 days from December 4 to 19 2025. The final matches will happen from December 17 to 19 at a major location in Dubai that will be announced later.
Teams will represent the areas where they live. Dubai is divided into eight zones for the games
- Central Zone includes Jumeirah Zabeel Ras Al Khor
- Northern Zone includes Bur Dubai and Deira Corniche
- Western Deira Deira 1
- Eastern Deira Deira 2
- District 1 in Mohammed bin Rashid City
- Mushrif
- Southern Zone includes Jebel Ali Hessian Mina Jebel Ali and Al Maktoum City
- Eastern Zone includes Saih Al Salam Wadi Al Safa Hind City Hatta Al Faqa Margham and Al Awir
The games will be held in two stages. The first is a local competition in each zone where the top three teams will be selected. These teams will then move on to compete in a city wide tournament for the title of Dubai Champions. The games will be held in excellent sports facilities giving players and fans a professional experience.
Sheikha Hind Women’s Sports Initiative
Another important part of the plan is the Sheikha Hind Women’s Sports Initiative. This programme will expand from a short two week event into a full year effort that supports women’s sports through many different events championships and health campaigns.
The initiative will reach over 200 000 women in the next two years. It starts with the first ever World Triathlon Women’s Cup on December 7 and will include many other women’s sports competitions for different age groups and backgrounds.
This expansion shows Dubai’s commitment to supporting women’s participation in sports and helping them live healthier more active lives.
Increasing School Sports Participation
Getting young people involved in sports is a big part of the plan. The goal is to increase the number of students playing sports in schools to 70 000 each year. This is more than three times the current number.
To reach this goal the School Games Programme will grow to include 26 different sports competitions spread out over 107 days. Around 25 000 students are expected to participate in these competitions.
This focus on school sports will help children and teenagers develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. It will also give talented young athletes more chances to shine.
More Inclusive and Diverse Programmes
The plan also includes many other activities designed to involve more people in sports
Opening community youth centers with sports programmes running all year
Organizing yearly sports events for People of Determination to make sports more accessible and inclusive
Holding sports competitions for labor communities at 10 different locations covering 12 different sports
These programmes are meant to make sure that everyone living in Dubai can enjoy sports and feel included.
Bringing Sports Closer to People Through Urban Planning
A unique and important part of the plan is its focus on sports urban planning. This means that new residential areas will be designed with sports facilities built right in. Older neighborhoods will also be upgraded to provide better access to places where people can play sports.
This work is being done with help from Dubai Municipality and the Roads and Transport Authority. Their goal is to make sure sports facilities are easy to reach and available to everyone no matter where they live.
By including sports spaces in community planning Dubai is making it easier for residents to stay active every day.
Why This Plan is Important for Dubai
Sports are more than just games they improve health bring people together and create stronger communities. The Dubai Sports Council’s plan to grow active sports participation to 2.6 million people is a major step toward making Dubai healthier and happier.
The plan will
Improve public health by encouraging exercise and activity
Build stronger neighborhoods through sports events and clubs
Empower women and People of Determination by creating more sports opportunities
Develop young talent and give more chances for youth to get involved
Enhance Dubai’s reputation as a top sports city in the world
These benefits will improve life for residents and make Dubai a more attractive place to live and visit.
What Residents Can Expect
Dubai’s residents will soon see many changes thanks to the new sports plan. They can expect
More sports events happening throughout the year
New programmes designed for different groups including seniors women youth and people with special needs
Easier access to quality sports facilities in their neighborhoods
More chances to join sports clubs and compete in local tournaments
Expanded school sports activities with more competitions and opportunities
By making sports a normal part of daily life Dubai hopes to create a culture where everyone enjoys the benefits of staying active and healthy.
Looking Forward to 2033 and Beyond
The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 is more than just a vision it is a promise to the people of Dubai. It shows a strong commitment to improving health building community and making sports accessible for all.
With clear targets and exciting projects like the Dubai District Games and Sheikha Hind Women’s Sports Initiative Dubai is on its way to becoming the world’s most active city.
By 2033 the goal of having 2.6 million active sports participants will not only be a number but a reality a healthier happier and more connected Dubai.
Dubai’s journey to becoming a sports city for all is well underway. Through this plan the Dubai Sports Council is creating opportunities that inspire everyone to get moving stay healthy and enjoy life to the fullest.
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