The economic footprint of sport in Dubai now exceeds $1.7 billion a year according to Deloitte, who presented their study on the subject on day one of the Host Cities conference at the Fairmont on Palm Jumeirah.
The report, published during Host Cities 2015 by Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, quantifies for the first time the economic impact of sport in Dubai.
– #360business: Golf in Turkey on the rise
– #360view: Willett keeps McIlroy on his toes in R2Golf in Turkey on the riseD
– #360view: Dubuisson’s resurgence is great for golf
– HSBC: Russell Knox wins Shanghai tournament
Of the $1.763bn generated by sport in Dubai each year (gross expenditure), $670m originates from overseas – an indication of the emirate’s growing standing on the world’s sporting stage.
“In Dubai we have long recognised that sport plays an important role in the growth and appeal of any global city and have worked strategically to invest in resources and capabilities across the sector,” said Saeed Hareb, the secretary general of Dubai Sports Council.
“We have been building our sports industry for more than 40 years, with a continued focus on the future. The Deloitte report highlights what has been achieved and demonstrates the strength of Dubai’s existing offering in world-class events and facilities.
“Dubai remains committed to sport and the report points to future opportunities which will be used to inform our ongoing strategic thinking as we continue on our journey to become one of the world’s international sporting destinations.”
Darren Clarke and the Ryder Cup in the house #hostcities pic.twitter.com/ybmafKn44M
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) November 18, 2015
The largest economic contribution comes from Dubai’s annual calendar of more than 300 events, which attract more than one million spectators each year.
Seven major annual showpieces account for more than 90 per cent of the events sector’s direct impact on Dubai’s economy.
These events, which span horseracing, golf, marathon running, tennis, rugby and cycling have helped establish Dubai as the region’s preeminent sports hub.
Significantly, ahead of the DP World Tour Championship this weekend, the report revealed that Dubai is already one of the leading golf tourism destinations in the world, with 16,000 international golf visitors enjoying its 11 courses every year.
Today the sport contributes $270m of gross expenditure to Dubai’s sports economy, with $131m of that originating from abroad.
IAAF president Seb Coe addressing the Host Cities summit attendees in Dubai pic.twitter.com/plOfec04ei
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) November 18, 2015
In addition to events, sports facilities and local participation play an important role in the sports industry, which now employs more than 14,500 people in the northern emirate.
The report estimates that mass participation events attract over 85,000 participants each year, and are growing in popularity. Sports clubs, academies and schools also add significantly to participation levels: in 2015, Dubai’s Sports City’s academies (football, rugby and cricket) alone are expected to attract a total footfall of around 1.4 million.
