Dubai: The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has set an ambitious target to increase the number of people actively participating in sports in Dubai to 2.6 million by the year 2033. This goal is part of the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, recently launched by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Plan aims to secure Dubai's position as a leading global sports destination through an integrated vision that emphasizes community sports. The initiative is structured around four key pillars: Community, Events, Clubs, and Talent, and includes 19 programmes and 75 initiatives aimed at establishing a sustainable sports ecosystem in the emirate.
Khalfan Jumaa Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, highlighted the Plan's focus on enhancing community well-being and the quality of life in Dubai. He stated, "Our goal is for Dubai to be the most active and sports-friendly city in the world, and we will work to triple the number of people actively engaged in sports in Dubai to reach 2.6 million by 2033."
The Plan includes three major community programmes that aim to diversify sports activities for various segments of society, ranging from individual programmes for senior citizens to public activities in parks and neighbourhood facilities. It also focuses on women's tournaments, youth activities, and school programmes. Notably, 13 leading community initiatives will be launched, including the 'Dubai District Games' and the expanded Sheikha Hind Women's Sports Initiative.
The 'Dubai District Games' is a key community initiative designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen local community ties. It will feature tournaments in football, 3x3 basketball, volleyball, and badminton, with over 3,800 participants aged 18 and above. The games will take place from December 4-19, with finals scheduled for December 17-19, 2025.
The Sheikha Hind Women's Sports Initiative will transition from a two-week programme to a comprehensive year-round initiative. This includes the first-ever World Triathlon Women's Cup on December 7 and several women's championships targeting over 200,000 participants over the next two years.
In education, the Plan aims to increase student participation in school sports activities to 70,000 annually. The School Games Programme will expand to include 26 sports competitions over 107 days. Additionally, community youth centres will be established, offering year-round sports programmes, and sports competitions for labour communities will be organized across the city.
The Plan also emphasizes innovation in sports urban planning, with efforts to integrate sports facilities into new communities and upgrade older areas for equitable access. These initiatives are being coordinated with Dubai Municipality and the Roads and Transport Authority to ensure effective incorporation into future urban development projects.