Sport Industry Series – Sport Business Network in the Middle East

Where the right people meet

Welcome to the Sport Industry Forum

4-5 October 2023

WB Abu Dhabi By Hilton on Yas Island

The Sport Industry Forum is a one-of-a-kind sport business forum with content relevant to the region. The Forum is strongly supported by government and attendees are decision-makers.

This year’s Sport Industry Forum takes place on 4-5 October 2023 at The WB Abu Dhabi by Hilton on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Join us this October to discover Abu Dhabi’s, the UAE’s and other Gulf countries’ latest priorities in sport and physical activity. Benefit from meeting and networking with over 200 directors working in sport business.

Government, brands, federations, clubs, rights holders, event organisers and venues come together to discuss the challenges we face in our industry, and what we can do collectively to improve the sports sector.

The Sport Industry Forum is officially supported by the Department of Community Development and Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi.

Relevant to the region

2023 speakers

Discover who is taking the stage this year to share valuable business insights.

H.E. Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Suhail Al Maktoum

Executive Director, Sports Development Sector, General Authority of Sports

H.E. Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri

Executive Director Community Health Sector, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre

Shaima Al Husseini

CEO, Saudi Sports for All Federation

Cynt Marshall

CEO, Dallas Mavericks

Ethan Casson

CEO, Minnesota Timberwolves

Saif Rashid Al Noaimi

CEO, Ethara, CEO, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Welcome to Abu Dhabi

With its world-class sporting facilities, cutting-edge infrastructure, and thriving sports community, Abu Dhabi provides the perfect backdrop for industry leaders to come together, exchange ideas, and shape the future of the sports industry.

Visit Abu Dhabi

Find information about the agenda here.

The Agenda .

The highly anticipated 2023 Sport Industry Forum event 2023 features a power-packed two-day agenda, designed to inspire, educate and connect professionals from across the Gulf sports industry.

09.00 – 15.30

DAY ONE

Sessions to include:

UAE National Sports Strategy

An exclusive presentation and Q&A on the UAE’s national sports strategy, with His Excellency Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports.

Government Interviews: When Sport, Health and Education Come Together

Listen to senior Government leaders on how each entity will work together, why sport and physical activity matters so much and the latest opportunities for your company to get involved.

Education

Student health and well-being has taken a hit following the pandemic – hear how focus on physical activity and greater student engagement forms a major part of well-being for the future.

09.00 – 15.30

DAY TWO

Sessions to include:

Exclusive Interview: Saudi Sports For All

A stand out speaker at last year’s event, Shaima Alhusseini, CEO of the Saudi Sports For All Federation, returns this year to share exciting news on their latest projects and opportunities for the private sector to get involved in the future.

Engaging the Next Generation: Do We Really Know What Young People Want?

Understanding evolving preferences and interests of the next generation
Exploring the role of technology in shaping youth expectations
Youth tournaments and initiatives -challenges and successes
Capturing youth insights – what data is really available in the region?
Young people share their perspectives on what they want, their sporting experiences and what they need.