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Welcome to the Sport Industry Forum

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 took place on 4-5 October 2023 at The WB Abu Dhabi by Hilton on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

A huge thank you to all speakers, sponsors and attendees who participated. It was a packed 2 days!

The Sport Industry Forum opened with an exclusive session as H.E. Sheikh Suhail Al Maktoum presented the UAE sports strategy from the UAE General Authority of Sports, followed by a welcome speech by H.E. Saleh Al Geziry, DG Tourism, Department of Culture & Tourism - Abu Dhabi. Sessions continued throughout the day on embedding healthy communities, school sport and student wellbeing, major sports events and a featured session on life and leadership lessons from two of the NBA team CEOs - which left the room speechless. The day closed with a brand panel with two of the leading regional brands investing in sport - Etihad and Spinneys.

Day two opened with Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and DCD - Abu Dhabi who discussed their strategies to embed healthy and active lifestyles. The day continued with interviews with ADEK, Saudi Triathlon, Saudi Sports For All Federation and football legend Dwight Yorke. This was followed by afternoon discussions on engaging young people, grassroots sport and sustainability and social impact.

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 took the stage this year to share valuable business insights.

Executive Director, Sports Development Sector, General Authority of Sports

Executive Director Community Health Sector, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre

CEO, Saudi Sports for All Federation

CEO, Dallas Mavericks

CEO, Minnesota Timberwolves

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.
Find information about the agenda here.

The Agenda .

The 2023 Sport Industry Forum featured 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

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

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.

Delegate pricing .

Government, federations, clubs & brands

AED Free
  • 2 days of inspiring content
  • Learn from international, regional and local sport leaders
  • Meet clients and new partners
  • Networking/meetings opportunity
  • Media interview opportunity
  • Promotion
  • Refreshments and Lunch

Rights holders and agencies

AED 3000
  • 2 days of inspiring content
  • Access to international, regional and local speakers
  • Meet clients and new partners
  • Networking
  • Promotion
  • Refreshments and Lunch

Vendors and suppliers

AED 3800
  • 2 days of inspiring content
  • Access to international, regional and local speakers
  • Meet clients and new partners
  • Networking
  • Promotion
  • Refreshments and Lunch

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    Our Partners .

    Discover the partners who have joined forces with The Sport Industry Forum to foster an interactive and exclusive event.

    Officially supported by:

    Official Associate partners:

    Official Branding partner:

    Official Academic partner:

    Official AV partner:

    Official Media partner:

    Testimonials

    The Forum exceeds expectations and Abu Dhabi Sports Council is glad to support it. It is important for the industry to gather together to talk about the opportunities in sport.

    H.E. Aref Al Awani Secretary General, Abu Dhabi Sports Council

    A wonderful chance to discover from business leaders what they are doing in their respective sports and to learn from their experiences.

    Waleed Al Hosani CEO, UAE Pro League

    The ‘must-attend’ meeting for sport business professionals in the UAE. The one date in the calendar that can not be missed.

    Dr. Sven Rohte Former Chief Commercial Officer, Daman – National Insurance Company