Dubai is preparing to welcome the global sporting community for the inaugural World Sports Summit, a landmark event designed to unite influential voices from every corner of the sports ecosystem. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the summit reflects Dubai’s growing stature as a hub for international sports dialogue and innovation.
Organised by the Dubai Sports Council under the theme “Uniting the World Through Sport,” the summit will bring together more than 1,500 participants. World-renowned athletes, senior decision-makers, industry experts, federation leaders, and global sports executives will gather in one place to explore the future of sport and its impact on society, youth development, and global collaboration.
The event will be hosted at the iconic Madinat Jumeirah, a setting that reflects Dubai’s blend of cultural heritage and global ambition.
A Global Platform for the Future of Sports
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, highlighted the summit’s broader purpose, describing it as a platform that goes beyond conversation. The World Sports Summit is intended to shape the future of global sports, celebrate champions, and inspire young generations across continents.
Sheikh Mansoor emphasized that the gathering will strengthen international cooperation, encourage investment in sports development, and open pathways for emerging talent in a wide range of disciplines. By connecting athletes, administrators, and innovators, the summit aims to align vision with experience and ambition with opportunity.
The summit also reflects the rapid transformation of sport as a global industry, addressing how governance, technology, sustainability, and commercial growth are reshaping how sports are played, managed, and experienced worldwide.
Leadership, Dialogue, and Meaningful Exchange
The two-day program is structured around dialogue sessions, workshops, seminars, and high-level meetings. These sessions will explore the current state of global sports, key challenges facing athletes and organisations, and emerging opportunities for long-term growth.
Senior leaders from international federations, major clubs, and global companies will engage in discussion alongside elite athletes and coaches. This blend of leadership insight and lived experience is designed to foster authentic conversations that resonate beyond the summit itself.
Rather than focusing solely on formal speeches, the event prioritizes open exchange, encouraging participants to share lessons, ideas, and strategies that can help move the global sports industry forward.
Day One Highlights: Influential Voices on the Global Stage
The opening day will feature more than 70 speakers representing both the administrative and competitive sides of sport. Proceedings will begin with an address by Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, setting the tone for collaboration and innovation.
A key highlight of the day will be the keynote address by Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, titled “The Next 90 Minutes,” offering insight into the future of football and the broader global sports landscape.
The audience will also hear from Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports in Bahrain, reinforcing the region’s shared commitment to empowering youth through sport.
High-profile panel discussions will bring together tennis stars Novak Djokovic, Ons Jabeur, and Paula Badosa, who will discuss elite performance, resilience, and the global influence of professional athletes.
Strategy, Star Power, and Global Perspectives
Another major session will feature Nasser Al Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain and Chairman of the European Club Association. Moderated by former England and Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, the discussion will focus on club leadership, commercial growth, and the evolving future of elite football.
The program will also include appearances by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and a keynote by Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, highlighting national sports policy and youth development initiatives.
Former heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk will take part in a discussion on elite competition, while basketball leadership will be represented by Tamika Termaglio, Terry Smith, Michelle Roberts, and Danita Johnson, who will explore management, governance, and inclusion within professional sports.
The first day will conclude with a session featuring Brazilian football icon Ronaldo Nazario, reflecting on legacy, success, and life beyond the pitch.
Day Two: Legacy, Innovation, and the Business of Sport
The second day will open with mixed martial arts legend Khabib Nurmagomedov discussing the future of combat sports. The session will be moderated by former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, bringing together perspectives from different sporting disciplines.
Football heritage will be celebrated in a session featuring Italian legends Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero, joined by Valentina Baggio. Their discussion will focus on legacy, mentorship, and the responsibility of sporting icons to guide future generations.
Another session will examine the relationship between elite performance and sports management, featuring American sports figures Reggie Bush, Baron Davis, Marquez Colston, and Swin Cash, who will share insights on leadership beyond competition.
Sport, Fashion, and Global Expansion
One of the most dynamic discussions will explore the growing connection between sports, celebrity influence, and the global fashion industry. Speakers will include Jamie Wynne, President of Jimmy Choo, alongside American football star Victor Cruz and Michael Utley, Commercial Director of AC Milan.
European basketball will also take centre stage in a dedicated session on the EuroLeague, featuring Abdullah Al Naboodah, French basketball legend Tony Parker, and Paulios Mottijonas, CEO of the EuroLeague. The discussion will focus on league growth, global reach, and fan engagement.
A Defining Moment for Global Sports Dialogue
The World Sports Summit represents a defining moment for the global sports community. By uniting star athletes, influential leaders, and visionary thinkers, the summit aims to drive collaboration, inspire innovation, and shape the future of sport worldwide.
Dubai’s role as host underscores its position as a global meeting point for ideas, cultures, and industries. Through dialogue, inspiration, and shared purpose, the World Sports Summit highlights the power of sport to unite people, develop talent, and create lasting positive impact across the world.
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