Dubai Sports Council Sets Ambitious Goal Of 2.6 Million Active Sports Participants By 2033

The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has set an ambitious target to boost sports participation in Dubai to 2.6 million people by 2033. This initiative aligns with the newly launched Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, spearheaded by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the DSC. The plan envisions positioning Dubai as a top global sports destination.

The strategic plan is structured around four main pillars: Community, Events, Clubs, and Talent. It includes 19 programmes and 75 initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable sports ecosystem in Dubai. Khalfan Jumaa Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the DSC, stated that the plan's objective is to improve community well-being and quality of life by making Dubai the most active city globally.

Belhoul highlighted three major community programmes within the plan designed to diversify sports activities for all demographics. These initiatives range from individual programmes for senior citizens to public activities in parks and neighbourhoods across Dubai. Additionally, there will be an annual series of events dedicated to People of Determination to enhance their social and sporting involvement.

The ‘Dubai District Games’ stands out as a key community initiative under this plan. It aims to promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen local community bonds through tournaments in football, 3x3 basketball, volleyball, and badminton. More than 3,800 participants aged 18 and above are expected to compete over 16 days from 4-19 December.

The Sheikha Hind Women’s Sports Initiative will expand from a two-week programme into a year-round initiative encompassing women’s championships, events, and health campaigns. This expansion targets over 200,000 participants within two years and will kick off with the World Triathlon Women’s Cup on 7 December.

The initiative also includes various women’s championships welcoming thousands of participants from diverse nationalities and age groups. By integrating these events under one framework, it aims to foster greater female participation in sports across the emirate.

School Sports Expansion

A significant aspect of the plan is increasing student involvement in school sports activities to 70,000 annually—a 3.5-fold rise. This will be achieved by broadening the School Games Programme to feature 26 sports competitions over 107 days with an anticipated participation of 25,000 students.

Moreover, community youth centres will offer year-round sports programmes alongside annual activities for People of Determination. The plan also includes organising sports competitions for labour communities across ten locations covering twelve different sports.

Infrastructure Development

The strategic plan emphasises innovation in urban planning by integrating sports facilities into new communities while upgrading older areas. These efforts aim to ensure equitable access to sports infrastructure throughout Dubai. Collaboration with Dubai Municipality and the Roads and Transport Authority is crucial for incorporating these facilities into future urban development projects.

The ‘Dubai District Games’ will take place across eight zones: Central Zone (Jumeirah, Zabeel), Northern Zone (Bur Dubai), Western Deira (Deira 1), Eastern Deira (Deira 2), District 1 (Mohammed bin Rashid City), Mushrif, Southern Zone (Jebel Ali), and Eastern Zone (Saih Al Salam). Each team represents its residential district during these games.

Competitions occur in two stages: zone-level games followed by city-wide contests where top teams vie for the title of ‘Dubai Champions’. Matches will be held at top-tier facilities ensuring a professional experience for players and spectators alike.

With inputs from WAM