Agenda
SPORT INDUSTRY FORUM 2025
1–2 October | Yas Conference Centre, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
🏛️ Government Updates and Interviews: Sport as a Driver of National Identity and Economic Growth
Sport sits at the heart of the UAE’s vision for long-term prosperity.
Explore how sport is central to the UAE’s next economic chapter — driving tourism, national identity, community health, and public-private innovation.
Understand the national policy backdrop and new partnership opportunities.
🌍 Abu Dhabi’s Vision for Sport, Health & Inclusion
How does a capital city embed world-class sport into everyday life?
Hear from high-level government stakeholders as they outline Abu Dhabi’s cross-sector strategy — merging community wellbeing, elite performance, and global hosting into a cohesive and inclusive sport ecosystem.
💰 Investing in Purpose-Driven Sport
In a shifting global landscape, fans and investors are demanding more.
This session unpacks how equity, values, and technology are reshaping the sport investment equation — and how purpose is emerging as a primary driver of long-term commercial growth.
📊 Modernising Federations: A New Era of Governance & Growth
New leaders are emerging in regional sport governance.
This session brings together those redesigning federations for inclusion, commercialisation, and meaningful impact — spotlighting innovative leadership driving transformation.
🇸🇦 Saudi Case Studies: Transformation in Action
From grassroots to global stages, this session highlights practical case studies from the Kingdom.
Explore league restructures, international rights deals, and the grounded realities of turning ambition into execution.
🏢 Inside the Brand: The Decisions Behind Investing in Sport
What really drives corporate investment in sport?
This behind-the-scenes session features brand leaders and decision-makers who’ve invested in Middle East properties — exploring how strategy, risk, and reputation shape their choices.
Get a candid view of what turns interest into investment — and how to get a ‘yes’ in today’s competitive sponsorship landscape.
🎭 Beyond the Game: The Future of Sport, Entertainment & Live Experiences
Today’s venues are no longer just places to watch sport — they’re catalysts for economic growth, community activation, and entertainment innovation.
This session explores how sport, entertainment, and infrastructure are converging to deliver next-gen experiences that drive fan engagement and economic return.
We’ll unpack how purpose-built infrastructure, cultural programming, and digital integration are reshaping the live event landscape.
⚽ Legends Interview: From Global Stardom to Local Legacy
An exclusive one-on-one with an iconic footballer turned leader — sharing their personal story, vision, and why the Middle East is central to the next chapter of their journey.
🏀 NBA Leadership: Inside the Journey
In a rare dual interview, two of the NBA’s most influential executives share their career journeys — from breaking into the business of sport to leading two of the league’s most iconic franchises.
This conversation goes beyond boardroom strategy — diving into leadership lessons, pivotal moments, and how values and resilience have shaped their path.
Expect sharp insights into what it really takes to lead in the world’s most competitive sports market — and why global expansion into the Middle East is key to the NBA’s future.