Dubai is set to become the epicentre of global sport as some of the most iconic names in history headline the World Sports Summit, taking place on December 29–30, 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah.
Led by Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário, MMA icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, and boxing great Manny Pacquiao, the two-day summit will bring together an elite lineup of sports royalty, industry leaders, investors, and innovators under the theme “Uniting the World Through Sports.”
Launched by the Dubai Sports Council, the World Sports Summit is being positioned as the largest global sports gathering of its kind, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to be a world leader in sports innovation, governance, and global dialogue.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Global Icons
More than 70 high-profile speakers are expected to attend, including legendary figures such as Paolo Maldini, Reggie Bush, Ons Jabeur, Nick Santonastasso, and influential decision-makers like Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Together, they will explore the future of sport — from elite performance and fan engagement to technology, investment, and social impact.
The summit will serve as a platform where sports excellence meets business, culture, and innovation, shaping conversations that extend far beyond competition.
Dubai’s Vision for Global Sports Leadership
Speaking at the launch, Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, emphasised that hosting the World Sports Summit aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision of becoming a global hub for sports leadership. He highlighted sport’s increasing role in driving economic growth, improving quality of life, and strengthening social cohesion.
The summit also aligns with the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, overseen by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. The strategy aims to position Dubai among the world’s leading cities for sports talent, major international events, and sector-wide innovation.
Celebrating Excellence: Global Sports Awards
A major highlight of the summit will be the 13th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award, held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. First launched in 2008, the award has been recently revamped and will honour outstanding sports innovators, institutions, and initiatives across 16 categories, spanning local, regional, and global levels.
Why This Matters for Sports Culture
With legends from football, combat sports, and boxing sharing the stage, the World Sports Summit represents more than just discussion — it celebrates the legacy, impact, and collectibles-worthy moments that define sporting history.
For collectors and fans alike, this summit underscores how icons like Ronaldo, Khabib, and Pacquiao continue to shape global sports culture long after their defining moments in the ring or on the pitch.
As Dubai welcomes the world’s biggest names in sport, the city further cements its status as a global meeting point for champions, visionaries, and the future of sport.
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