Dubai: Ronaldo, Khabib, Pacquiao to headline World Sports Summit

Dubai will host some of the biggest names in global sport at the World Sports Summit on December 29–30, 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah, under the theme ‘Uniting the World Through Sports’.

The summit, launched by the Dubai Sports Council, is being positioned as the largest global gathering of its kind.

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More than 70 high-profile speakers are expected, led by an illustrious lineup that includes Ronaldo Nazario, Paolo Maldini, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Manny Pacquiao, Reggie Bush, Ons Jabeur and Nick Santonastasso, alongside key sports decision-makers such as Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

The two-day summit will bring together heads of international federations, global sports stars, investors, innovators and experts to exchange ideas and shape dialogue on the future of sport, governance, innovation and its wider societal role.

Speaking at the launch press conference, Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, said hosting the World Sports Summit aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision of becoming a global hub for leadership and innovation in sport. He highlighted sport’s growing role as a driver of economic growth, quality of life and social cohesion.

Belhoul added that the inaugural edition of the summit aligns with the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, overseen by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. The strategy aims to position Dubai among the world’s leading cities for sports talent, major international events and sector-wide innovation.

A major highlight of the summit will be the 13th edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award, held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. First launched in 2008, the award—recently revamped—will recognise outstanding sports innovators, institutions and initiatives across 16 categories, spanning local, regional and global levels.

With its star-studded lineup and wide-ranging agenda, the World Sports Summit is set to reinforce Dubai’s growing influence as a global meeting point for the international sports community.

Khaleej Times Staff

webteam@khaleejtimes.com