Dubai will host the second edition of the World Sports Summit in December 2026, bringing together global sports leaders, athletes and experts to shape the future of sport.
WEBDESK – SHARJAHNEWS
Dubai will host the second edition of the World Sports Summit on December 28-29, 2026, under the theme “Uniting the World Through Sport.”
The summit will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The event will also be guided by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
Organized annually by the Dubai Sports Council, the summit is expected to bring together leading athletes, sports officials, decision-makers, experts and industry specialists from around the world, reinforcing Dubai’s growing status as a global sports hub.
Officials said the World Sports Summit aims to serve as a major international platform for strengthening collaboration and shaping the future of global sport through innovation, partnerships and strategic dialogue.
According to the Dubai Sports Council, preparations are already underway to develop key themes and discussions that reflect the rapid transformation of the sports industry, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, talent development and fan engagement.
This year’s edition is expected to be larger and more comprehensive than the inaugural summit, with organizers aiming to further strengthen Dubai’s role in promoting international cooperation within the global sports sector.
The summit will also include the presentation ceremony for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award, honoring outstanding sports personalities and achievements from around the world.
Officials noted that the event seeks to establish a sustainable global sports ecosystem by encouraging collaboration between sporting bodies, institutions, federations and private sector partners.
The first edition of the World Sports Summit attracted more than 1,500 sports stars, officials and decision-makers, including 200 international athletes and personalities.
The event also generated more than 33.6 million livestream views and approximately 850 million digital interactions across social media platforms, highlighting its growing international reach and influence.
The summit’s extensive programme will feature panel discussions, keynote speeches, workshops and high-level meetings focused on the future of sport within economic, technological, legislative and social frameworks.
Among the major topics expected to dominate discussions are audience engagement strategies, the economic sustainability of sporting events, and the growing role of artificial intelligence and data analytics in transforming the global sports industry.
The World Sports Summit has rapidly emerged as one of Dubai’s flagship international sporting initiatives, further enhancing the emirate’s reputation as a leading destination for global sports dialogue and innovation.
