Post by : Bianca
Haleem
In a groundbreaking meeting, the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) convened with sports event leaders, facility owners, and industry experts to map out the future of Dubai's sports landscape. Hosted at the JA Lake View Hotel in collaboration with JA Sports & Shooting Club at JA The Resort in Jebel Ali, the gathering was pivotal.
The focus of the discussions revolved around elevating sports events, enhancing partnerships with the private sector, and aligning with Dubai's long-term sports strategy. Attendees enjoyed a sneak peek at the upcoming “JA Sports & Shooting Club,” set to officially open this summer.
During the session, the council detailed the “Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033,” unveiled by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This blueprint aims to position Dubai as a premier global sporting hub by 2033 through extensive investment in sports infrastructure, international events, and community involvement.
The strategy encompasses four main pillars, featuring 19 significant programs and 75 initiatives aimed at sports events, club activities, talent cultivation, and community outreach. Officials believe this plan will further solidify Dubai's standing as a premier destination for sports tourism and international tournaments.
Essa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council, remarked that the meeting was crucial for organizers to navigate challenges and discover innovative solutions for enhancing the sports sector. He emphasized that sports events have evolved beyond mere competition; they now contribute significantly to economic and lifestyle improvements and serve to elevate Dubai's global profile.
Sharif pointed out the impressive growth in Dubai's sports industry, noting that the emirate now hosts over 511 annual sports events, including 114 of international scope. Additionally, Dubai attracts over 115 international training camps each year and sees participation from over 2.7 million individuals across various sports.
A strong emphasis is being placed on youth development with a focus on discovering talent in sports such as football, golf, padel, and badminton. According to Sharif, Dubai will continue to stage world-class sports events while maintaining robust support systems for athletes and event organizers.
Ahmed Al Fahim, Director of the Strategic Development Office at the Dubai Sports Council, stated that the 2033 vision encompasses ambitious socio-economic objectives. The plan aims to elevate the sports sector's contribution to Dubai's GDP from AED 10.17 billion to AED 18.3 billion, increase resident sports participation from 1.6 million to 2.6 million, and boost major event attendance from 1.67 million to 4.1 million.
Meanwhile, Ralph Porciani, CEO of JA Resorts & Hotels, described the JA Sports & Shooting Club as pivotal in promoting Dubai as a global sports, wellness, and lifestyle hub.
He indicated the facility aligns with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, merging sports, hospitality, and community experiences into a unified destination. The project epitomizes the UAE's commitment to delivering top-tier sporting experiences and attracting athletes and global sporting events.
The soon-to-open JA Sports & Shooting Club will house the most state-of-the-art indoor shooting complex in the UAE, six FIFA-certified football fields, two cricket ovals, racquet sports facilities, a 9-hole golf course, and expansive equestrian arenas. Officials are optimistic that this integrated venue will further bolster Dubai's capacity to host international competitions and training sessions efficiently.
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