The Dubai Sports Council announced the launch of the Sports Entrepreneurship Programme in partnership with the New Economy Academy. The programme is designed to train individuals in entrepreneurial skills specifically applied to the sports industry, including business planning, innovation and market analysis. It will feature a series of workshops, mentorship sessions and practical projects aimed at turning sports ideas into sustainable ventures. Organisers expect the initiative to attract a diverse group of participants ranging from athletes to business professionals interested in the sector.
According to Arabian Business, Dubai’s sports sector currently adds AED10.17 billion, equivalent to $2.8 billion, to the emirate’s GDP each year. The Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 seeks to increase this contribution to AED18.3 billion or $5 billion by the target year.
The New Economy Academy has rolled out multiple training initiatives in recent years. These have encompassed programmes on tax compliance, project management and broad entrepreneurship that have trained thousands of Emiratis. The academy’s collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council represents an expansion into sector-specific economic development.
Dubai hosts over 400 sporting events annually across various disciplines, according to reports on the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033. This infrastructure provides a fertile ground for entrepreneurial activities in areas like event organisation, sports technology and fan engagement platforms. The new programme will seek to capitalise on this environment to stimulate further commercial growth.
Growth in the sports economy is expected to come from sports tourism, sponsorships and digital innovations, assessments by Arabian Business found. The Sports Entrepreneurship Programme will address these avenues by equipping participants with relevant expertise. Integration with the broader Dubai Economic Agenda D33 ensures alignment with priorities for diversification.
Participants completing the programme will receive certification from the New Economy Academy, the launch details indicated. The certificate is accredited by relevant authorities to enhance professional credentials. This latest effort builds on the academy’s track record of supporting Emirati talent in emerging economic fields.
