Following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing with Al Nassr, the Gulf is emerging as a major sports hub. Beyond football, the region hosts F1 races, tennis championships, and initiatives like the UAE Sports Sector Strategy 2032. In 2022, Dubai’s Crown Prince welcomed all sports entities to their nation, highlighting the region’s growing sports tourism potential.
Football, F1, Tennis, and More
The Gulf states, through strategic investments in major football clubs like PSG, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, have amplified their presence in the sports arena. The Qatar World Cup was a testament to this, with record attendance and memorable highlights. But football isn’t the only sport they’ve embraced. Since 2004, the region has hosted F1 races in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. International tennis events like the Dubai and Qatar Opens have thrived for over 30 years. Additionally, MMA’s prominence has surged, with Abu Dhabi recognized as a global Jiujitsu leader, hosting thousands for the Jiujitsu World Championship. The Gulf’s sports evolution offers ample business opportunities in transport, hospitality, retail, and real estate, bolstering the region’s sports tourism prospects.
World-Class Sports Facilities
The Gulf states boast top-tier training facilities attracting world-class athletes. Footballers like Mo Salah and clubs like Real Madrid utilize the Nad al Sheba (NAS) complex, as do stars from other sports like Novak Djokovic. These facilities cater to athletes globally with amenities from FIFA-standard pitches to sports science labs. This growth offers business opportunities in healthcare and well-being, especially in injury prevention and rehabilitation. As the Gulf becomes a premier training destination, opportunities arise for travel and accommodation packages for teams and athletes. Additionally, demand for constructing advanced sports infrastructures is set to rise. The UAE’s long-standing emphasis on sports, evident since 1971, is reinforced by its National Agenda promoting societal cohesion and preserved identity.
UAE Sports Sector Strategy 2032
Facilities and infrastructure also feature prominently in the UAE Sports Sector Strategy 2032. It includes 54 far-reaching initiatives that emphasise sports’ potential as a significant contributor to the UAE’s sustainable development. The strategy includes a huge boost for sports federations in the region, with a general goal of global success.
The sports strategy includes 54 initiatives underpinned by the three themes of mass participation, high performance and the sports ecosystem. The aims include increasing participation in sports activities by 65% and training more than 20 Olympic-level athletes in the next 11 years. Underpinning this is the recognition of sport’s potential to contribute significantly to the GDP. Technology will also play a major role, including the creation of a single digital platform for all UAE sports federations.
The ambitious plan emphasises the UAE’s push to host more international tournaments, along with talent development programmes and athlete training camps. There will also be a big investment in sports facilities and infrastructure, supporting candidates for positions in international sports bodies, and developing the booming area of women’s sports.
Sporting Success For All
The UAE’s passion for sports spans from elite athletes to grassroots initiatives, aiming to boost both physical and mental wellness. With over 50 regulatory bodies, from Padel Tennis to the Paralympic Committee, they support traditional and contemporary sports. Notable facilities like Dubai’s Hamdan Sports Complex offer world-class amenities, including Olympic-standard pools and a large arena. By promoting sports and organizing events, the UAE aims to encourage fitness, reduce illness, and nurture budding athletes. Moreover, in 2018, the UAE passed a law allowing all residents, regardless of nationality, to participate in official sports events, fostering inclusivity and societal cohesion.
Fighting Fit And Ready To Go
The Gulf states have become a prime location for major sporting events. Beyond the World Cup, they host events like the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament and the Dubai World Cup horse race. With diverse offerings, including the rising sport of padel tennis which will have the WPT Middle East Master in Abu Dhabi, the region caters to fans of all preferences. Boasting over 350 padel courts in the UAE alone, coupled with the UAE Sports Sector Strategy 2032 and investments in global sports, the Gulf is a hotspot for health and fitness entrepreneurs and investors.
