Dubai sets up new free zone cluster for sports, entertainment business activities

Dubai on Tuesday announced a new free zone cluster dedicated to sports and entertainment.

The International Sports and Entertainment Zone (ISEZA) is set to debut within the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone, facilitating licensing for distinct sports and entertainment business activities. ISEZA is a first-of-a-kind industry-dedicated free zone cluster in the UAE and globally.

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The zone will provide a platform for licensing businesses across established sectors, such as sports management and marketing, event management, talent representation and media and broadcasting, while also supporting growth in emerging areas like e-sports, AI-driven sports tech, and fan tokens.

The zone will be home to a diverse range of industry players including global brands, sports leagues and franchises, rights owners and investors, sports and talent agencies, artists, sports and media personalities, social media influencers and creative industries professionals.

It aims to attract international and regional sports organisations, such as sports federations, associations and leagues, both in established and emerging sports. 

ISEZA assured that it will offer comprehensive corporate and legal support tailored to its members, working closely with key UAE authorities, such as the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, UAE National Olympic Community, and others.

“The launch of ISEZA within the DWTC Free Zone will foster a dynamic ecosystem, empowering sports and entertainment businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to thrive. ISEZA members will benefit from the free zone’s prime location, and access to valuable networking opportunities through our diverse events and exhibitions calendar,” said Khaled AlFahim, vice president of asset and investment management at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Damir Valeev, CEO of ISEZA, said this initiative will have a major social impact creating a unique environment for hosting sports exhibitions, museums, academic programmes and community projects in the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo areas.

“Driven by the UAE’s vision of business development with higher social impact, we believe it will further contribute to the promotion of active sports and healthy lifestyle in the UAE overall”. 

Dubai’s sports industry contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to its economy. Currently, there are over 40 free zones across the UAE, focusing on various industries.