The world’s first free zone cluster dedicated to the sports and entertainment sectors has been established within the DWTC Free Zone, a space for all businesses in these industries. And its location in the heart of Dubai’s central business district makes perfect business sense.

Why? Because Dubai has steadily established itself as a global powerhouse in the sports and entertainment sectors. The city’s transformation through hosting major events, like Dubai Expo 2020, tournaments and e-sports competitions reflects its strategic positioning on the world stage. While infrastructure and policy incentives often get the spotlight, Dubai’s real edge lies in its ability to attract talent, and cultivate a vibrant, forward-thinking ecosystem that welcomes both emerging ventures and established players alike.

The so-called “Dubai Chocolate Effect” is not just a phenomenon of social media-driven popularity. It is the result of the concentration of aspiring, creative, and talented entrepreneurs in the social and business environment, created and nurtured by the UAE leadership.

A global hub: Dubai

The sports and entertainment markets have shown remarkable resilience and growth. The global sports market is now worth nearly $500bn, while e-sports has evolved from a niche subculture to a over $1.3bn global phenomena with viewership rivalling traditional sporting events.

Locally, Dubai’s sports industry contributes approximately $2.5bn annually to the Emirates’ economy while supporting 105,000 jobs – 3.8 percent of Dubai’s total employment.

What makes Dubai particularly fertile ground for these industries is the region’s demographic advantage where over 60 per cent of the population is under 30 – digital natives who consume entertainment differently than previous generations.

The UAE has been also a pioneer in economic zones development, with over 40 free zones focusing on various industries, creating spaces where innovation can flourish.

Creating the first sports and entertainment cluster within the free zone environment organically complements aspirations of the Gulf nations to host mega events and supports the growth of sports industry in Dubai and across the region.

Beyond standard business advantages

When experts discuss Dubai’s advantages, they often mention the usual factors: strategic location, tax benefits, and world-class infrastructure. The UAE’s ranking at 16th globally for ease of doing business translates to real savings for companies in the fast-paced entertainment world.

However, what’s often overlooked is the human element. Dubai has created a truly global city where ideas from different cultures don’t just coexist but actively cross-pollinate. Meetings in Dubai frequently feature perspectives from multiple continents shaping a single project, each bringing unique insights on how sports and entertainment resonate in their home markets. You can meet a person from literally any country in the world in Dubai.

Dubai’s pioneering regulatory framework and robust infrastructure have been crucial in shaping the emirate’s sports sector, with government support as an integral priority in Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in.

Where tech meets tradition

Dubai effectively bridges traditional sports with emerging technologies. The region’s gaming market is booming, driven by high internet penetration rates and a culture that eagerly embraces innovations like VR, AR, and blockchain.

Local e-sports tournaments have grown from modest affairs to events that attract international sponsors. Sports medicine specialists are adapting their expertise to address the unique physical demands of e-sports athletes. Data analytics firms are finding new applications for measuring athletic performance.

These interconnections create a rich ecosystem where traditional categories begin to blur. A VR fitness application can simultaneously be a tech product, a sports tool, and entertainment content – and in Dubai, it can find support for each aspect of its development.

Collaboration: The key to growth

Despite this progress, the full potential of Dubai’s sports and entertainment business sectors remains untapped. The key to further development is deeper collaboration, not just between businesses, but across the entire ecosystem including government entities, educational institutions, and community organisations.

This is where specialised zones and accelerators can make a difference, by bringing diverse stakeholders together. When sports tech startups connect with established federations and leagues, when healthcare researchers interact with performance coaches, when rights owners can network with investors, and sports and talent agencies can rub shoulders with the artists, sports stars and media personalities they seek to represent, the resulting innovations can be transformative.

The establishment of ISEZA as a dedicated cluster within the DWTC Free Zone represents a significant step in this direction, providing companies opportunities to share resources and build complementary services, working closely with key authorities such as the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, and UAE National Olympic Committee.

Looking forward

Dubai has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to reinvent itself and stay ahead of global trends. The city’s next chapter will be defined by how it nurtures creative industries like sports and entertainment. The foundations are already in place: world-class infrastructure, a supportive business environment, and a diverse population.

The new sports strategy for Dubai focuses on key areas including sports clubs, infrastructure for sports facilities, e-sports, sports tourism, and sports technology. This strategic approach, combined with plans to develop multipurpose arenas, community leisure and fitness facilities, cycling tracks, and other sports infrastructure, demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to long-term growth in the sector.

For young people especially, these sectors offer more than entertainment – they provide career pathways that didn’t exist a generation ago. From sports physiotherapy to game design, from event management to performance analytics, new professional opportunities are emerging that align with Dubai’s strategic vision of being a global destination for sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The future depends on how effectively connections are built – including between traditional sports and digital innovations, between global brands and local talents, and between commercial objectives and community benefits. As Dubai continues fostering these connections, it will solidify its position as a global hub for sports and entertainment.

The writer is the CEO at ISEZA.

Dubai International Airport remains the world’s busiest airport in terms of international passenger traffic for 2024, according to a report released today by Airports Council International (ACI) World.

According to a WAM report, global passenger traffic in 2024 totalled 9.5 billion, marking an increase of 9 per cent from 2023, and a gain of 3.8 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Read-DXB: How many passengers did Dubai airport handle in 2024?

The 10 busiest airports, representing 9 per cent of global traffic (855 million passengers), recorded an increase of 8.8 per cent from 2023, and an 8.4 per cent rise compared to their 2019 results (789 million passengers in 2019).

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport retained its top position, followed by Dubai International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Air cargo volumes are estimated to have increased by 8.4 per cent year-over-year (up 3.9 per cent versus 2019), reaching over 124 million metric tonnes in 2024.

“Amid global challenges, the resilience of the world’s busiest airports shines. These hubs are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity. As air travel grows, ACI World stands ready to support its members, ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods that drive global economic, social, and cultural progress,” said ACI World Director-General Justin Erbacci.

What sets Dubai International Airport apart?

• The airport welcomed 92.3 million guests in 2024, surpassing its previous all-time high of 89.1 million in 2018.
• The 2024 results exceeded forecasts by nearly 200,000 guests, underscoring DXB’s strong global appeal.
• Over the past decade, DXB has welcomed more than 700 million guests across over 3.3 million flights.
• Since 2014, DXB has topped Airports Council International’s rankings as the world’s busiest international airport.

New benchmarks

• With connections to 272 destinations across 107 countries served by 106 international airlines, DXB continues to set the standard as one of the world’s most connected airports.
• DXB handled 2.2 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, a sharp increase of 20.5 per cent from the previous year, when the hub registered 1.8 million tonnes.
• Total flight movements rose by 5.7 per cent in 2024 to reach 440,300, with a load factor of 78.1 — a marginal increase of 0.3 per cent for the year.

Saudi Arabia’s space economy reached $8.7bn in 2024, according to the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST). The figure includes all value-added activities and industries related to space technologies and services.

The size of the Saudi space market reached $1.9bn last year, CST said in its newly released KSA Space Market 2025 report.

The report aims to highlight the latest developments and growth in local and global space market sizes, support market development and competitiveness, assist investors and entrepreneurs in the sector, and identify promising opportunities in the space industry.

Saudi space sector growth aligned with Vision 2030

CST governor Dr Mohammad Altamimi emphasised that strong support from the kingdom’s leadership is accelerating investment, infrastructure development, and the empowerment of national talent.

These efforts contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and establishing a competitive, sustainable space economy both regionally and internationally.

Dr Altamimi said the report extends CST’s efforts to enable the space sector as a new economic driver that strengthens the kingdom’s global position in technology and innovation.

He added that it serves as a valuable resource for decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs to understand future trends and promising growth opportunities in the sector.

The report also highlights the rapid growth of the Saudi space economy, which is expected to reach $31.6bn by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) estimated at 12 per cent, supported by investments in space sector infrastructure.

The global space economy is projected to reach $1.8tn by 2035, with a CAGR of 9 per cent.

Growth outlook by 2035

The Saudi space market is projected to reach $5.6bn by 2035, supported by advancements in space technologies. Globally, the space market reached $176bn in 2024 and is forecast to grow to $377bn by 2035.

Notable developments in both local and global space markets outlined in the report include Earth observation data analysis, infrastructure services, integrated communication systems, advanced sensing systems, and the development of small satellites.

The report also highlights global shifts in the sector, such as the entry of private sector players, growing demand for satellite-based services, and renewed interest in space exploration.

It further addresses investment in the Saudi space sector and key areas of development, such as satellite communications and navigation, rocket manufacturing and launch services, and satellite-based Earth monitoring.

As Saudi Arabia undergoes rapid transformation under Vision 2030, the evolving relationship between consumers and brands is coming into sharper focus. In this interview, Ghassan Harfouche, group CEO of MCN MENAT and president of McCann Worldgroup APAC, discusses key findings from the firm’s latest research, The Truth about Saudi Arabia and Brands of Tomorrow.

Harfouche offers insights into changing consumer behaviours, the growing influence of digital platforms, and the cultural and economic shifts shaping the kingdom’s brand landscape.

The Truth about Saudi Arabia and Brands of Tomorrow identifies a significant shift in consumer trust. Could you elaborate on the methodology used to uncover these insights, and what surprised you most about the findings?

Partnering with The Economist and commissioning global proprietary research with McCann Truth Central, we brought ‘Truth Well Told’ insights to our clients on Saudi Arabia’s evolving landscape — bridging macroeconomic trends with on-the-ground consumer realities. The session not only unveiled key cultural, social, and economic shifts shaping Saudi Arabia, but also actionable insights to help build enduring brands. Some key transformative insights included:

Outside in: The perception gap between international views of Saudi Arabia and what Saudis think about their own country is a disparity stemming from western media portrayal, over generalisation, and a lack of nuanced understanding of the region; brands should own the role of closing this divide with authentic storytelling.

Global dreamweaver: In a world that comparably feels lack lustre about the future, Saudi Arabia has a role to play as weaver of dreams, with a strong 2030 vision and higher levels (69 per cent) of optimism and confidence in their own country’s vision, versus 25 per cent in the UK and 51 per cent in Japan. This forward-looking mindset creates opportunity for aspirational brand positioning that resonates globally.

Ready to travel? Saudi Arabia is increasingly seen as a major destination of promise, but the role that Saudi brands have to play in people’s lives across the world is a new frontier.

These actions don’t just look at how brands can merely participate in Saudi Arabia’s transformation but how they will help shape its trajectory as the kingdom reimagines its global role and relationship with consumers worldwide, earning their rightful power in culture, prominence in category and popularity in community.

Beyond the data, what were some of the key qualitative insights that emerged from the research that you feel are crucial for businesses to understand about the Saudi consumer?

There is an evident feeling of pride and positivity from the Saudi consumer. Against a global backdrop of economic challenge and shifting political tensions, the optimism, readiness, and clear vision define how the Saudi consumer is ready to embrace the future, implement clear pathways for economic success and grow the country’s burgeoning reputation as an international tourism destination. In addition, one of the most prominent and recurring themes was the blend of heritage with modernity: Saudi traditions meshing together with transformative technologies to create a new wave of culture open to the international community.

Brands that will truly flourish are those that authentically respect and navigate this delicate balance between honouring rich cultural legacy and embracing bold transformation.

Failure to grasp this insight, and they’ll miss the very essence of what makes the Saudi consumer journey so uniquely powerful in today’s global marketplace.

Vision 2030 is transforming the Saudi market. From your perspective, what are the most significant opportunities and challenges this initiative presents for businesses operating in the kingdom?

Without doubt, the sense of pride, momentum and ambition driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation is palpable: this is a real-time revolution with economic, social, cultural, and digital transformation, underpinned by significant investments cross-sector.

Increased connectivity through air travel, giga projects and a rising focus on eco-luxury resorts make the kingdom a premier destination, presenting vast opportunities for brands looking to engage both local and international audiences.

The one constant with consumers is that they are evolving at an extraordinary pace. Successful brands must adapt their strategies for an increasingly sophisticated local audience and through the lens of a global consumer whose exposure to Saudi Arabia is growing daily. The winning formula combines data-driven digital approaches with bold creative ideas that deliver genuine engagement.

As emerging sectors become major economic drivers, brands have compelling opportunities to pioneer in new spaces. This landscape rewards those bringing fresh creativity and product innovation while extending their reach to international audiences previously untapped in the Saudi context.

Saudi consumers are increasingly conscious and proud to support homegrown brands with 54 per cent actively choosing locally made products as an expression of national pride. The opportunity lies in a mix of international and local brands that are authentically embedded within Saudi culture and values and contribute meaningfully to Vision 2030’s goals.

The influence of digital media on consumer behaviour is a key finding in your study. How are Saudi consumers engaging with digital platforms, and what strategies should brands employ to effectively reach and connect with them in this digital age?

Saudi Arabia has a young, digitally savvy population, with 63 per cent under 30, making it a highly mature digital market. Social media adoption is strong, with TikTok having the highest global reach at 138 per cent, and Snapchat widely used for social connections. Social networks surpass TV as a news source for Gen Z and Millennials, and 81 per cent of consumers prefer social media for product discovery, driving social commerce growth.

E-commerce thrives due to convenience, advanced digital payments, and fast logistics, with Q-commerce giants including Noon and Amazon dominating, and rapid delivery expectations.

For brands to succeed in this environment, digital strategy must go beyond surface-level engagement; combining data-driven creativity with genuine understanding of these increasingly sophisticated consumers — recognising their distinctive blend of cultural pride, ambition, and forward momentum — to develop connections that are both authentic and enduring. This deeper insight is what ultimately separates market leaders from competitors in this dynamic digital landscape.

Your research indicates an evolution in brand loyalty within Saudi Arabia. How do you see the role of brand purpose and values in building lasting relationships with Saudi consumers?

Saudi consumers are looking for something much deeper from the brands they choose to support. It’s no longer enough to simply offer a quality product — there’s a real expectation that brands will genuinely understand and respect Saudi values and culture.

When brands demonstrate real integrity, operate with transparency, and make meaningful investments in community building, Saudi consumers perceive them as active partners in the Kingdom’s transformation, creating a powerful foundation for long-term consumer relationships that transcend traditional notions of brand loyalty.

Talent development was identified as a key challenge. What are the most effective strategies for companies to address these challenges and ensure sustainable growth in the Saudi market?

A business’s long-term success hinges on sustained investment in its talent. Especially in a market such as Saudi Arabia, when experiencing this level of explosive growth and economic diversification, a company’s human capital strategy needs to match this ambitious trajectory.

The most successful approach would combine global expertise with deep local understanding. Companies that are thriving in Saudi Arabia aren’t just parachuting in international talent; they’re creating genuine knowledge transfer and building diverse teams that truly understand Saudi culture, consumer behaviour, and market nuances.

The real danger is superficial localisation efforts. Creating genuine community connections requires investing in talent development programmes that foster deep cultural understanding and long-term commitment to the kingdom’s transformation journey.

What are the most critical trends that businesses should be aware of when navigating the Saudi market, and what advice would you give to companies seeking to capitalise on the kingdom’s progress?

The market space in Saudi Arabia is highly competitive and businesses must lead with curiosity, not assumptions, navigating smartly and strategically to authentically build brands that will endure.

Success will depend on understanding the unique dynamics of the kingdom — embracing innovation, respecting local values, and playing an active role in the country’s transformation. Those that get it right will not only unlock commercial success but also contribute to shaping a prosperous, forward-thinking Saudi Arabia where ambition truly has no limits.

As technology continues to shape how we experience and interpret the world, Art Dubai Digital 2025 turns its gaze toward the emotional and critical dimensions of this transformation.

Art Dubai Digital, launched in 2022, is a unique curated section of Art Dubai* that is dedicated to the pioneering artists, collectives, galleries and platforms influencing the digital art world today.

Curated by Gonzalo Herrero Delicado, this year’s edition explores the theme “After the Technological Sublime”, offering a timely reflection on the power — and the consequences — of technological advancement through the lens of contemporary art.

From large-scale installations fed by climate data to kinetic sculptures interpreting global energy use, Art Dubai Digital invites artists, collectors, and audiences to pause and reconsider not just the tools, but the questions they provoke.

In this conversation, Delicado unpacks the curatorial vision behind the theme, shares insights into the evolution of the digital section, and highlights the galleries and projects redefining what it means to create and engage with digital art today.

‘After the Technological Sublime’ has been chosen as the theme for Art Dubai Digital 2025. Could you provide more insight into its significance and meaning?

The concept of the sublime, originally revived from ancient Greek thought by European intellectuals in the 17th century, embraces the aesthetic of the exalted—the experience of witnessing the beauty of grand and dangerous nature.

The technological sublime extends this idea, evoking awe and wonder, but also fear, in response to monumental technological innovations. It broadens the traditional notion of the sublime — once used to express amazement and fear toward vast natural forces — by including human-made creations.

Today, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, and other technological advancements are progressing at an unprecedented pace. While they inspire admiration for human achievement, they can also feel overwhelming, as these systems often surpass our control and divert attention from pressing environmental, social, cultural, and political challenges.

Art Dubai Digital 2025 invites visitors to explore how artists are using technology to address and interrogate these challenges. While technology may help meet future needs, what questions are artists asking of it today?

This edition shifts the focus back to art and the critical questions it raises about our present, examining how technology as a medium can reflect the challenges facing society and the planet.

How has Art Dubai Digital evolved since the first edition? Are there any major shifts in focus or presentation this year?

Art Dubai was the first international fair to create a dedicated section for digital technologies and art. It remains a uniquely curated part of the fair, with a new guest curator invited each year. In its first edition, the section focused on the NFT boom, which sparked exponential interest in digital art. That emphasis feels less relevant this year, as the section now features a broader range of media, including videos, installations, sculptures, and even paintings —highlighting the richness and diversity of media art.

One major development over the four years since the Digital section’s inception is the launch of the Digital Summit in 2024. The summit was introduced to reflect on the themes emerging from the section and returns this year with a robust programme. It brings together some of the brightest minds leading conversations around art and digital technologies, with a particular emphasis on ecology.

What also sets the digital section apart is the wide-ranging profile of its participants. Alongside traditional physical galleries from around the world, it includes digital galleries, collectives, and advisors — each playing a role in shaping the digital art market.

A new addition to this year’s programme is a series of specially commissioned installations by different artists.

Which key galleries are participating in Art Dubai Digital? What makes them noteworthy, and how does their participation enrich the overall programme?

London-based GAZELL.iO returns to Art Dubai to celebrate its 10th anniversary, presenting works by CROSSLUCID, Primavera de Filippi, and Sougwen Chung. Also from London, TAEX makes a return with a distinctive selection of works by acclaimed artists Krista Kim, Alper Derinboğaz, and Tatsuru Arai.

Among the new galleries I’m particularly excited to see are Sevil Dolmaci, featuring works by Fuse*, Can Büyükberber, and Sara Ludy; New York-based Nguyen Wahed, presenting Sarah Meyohas, Lu Yang, and FAR; and Danae from Paris, showcasing pieces by artist and musician Agoria, along with French digital artist Louis Paul Caron, whose contemplative scapes explore the tension and quiet response to the ongoing climate emergency.

Will any Dubai-based galleries or artists be part of this year’s Art Dubai Digital?

We will feature a number of Dubai-based galleries showcasing compelling works by emerging artists. Mondoir Art Gallery, led by renowned collector Amir Soleymani, will present one of the largest booths in the section and will also debut his latest book, Fools & JPEGs, which explores NFTs and what went wrong. I’m especially excited about the booth from Koshta Collective and the opportunity to experience FLOWGARDENZ’s media sculptures in person.

Other participating Dubai galleries include Inloco Gallery, presenting a selection of stunning photographs by Filippo Minelli, and Espace, which will exhibit works that combine the sculptures of Andrés Anza with augmented reality.

Tell us more about the new digital installations that will debut at Art Dubai.

One of the featured works is MotherEarth by Ouchhh Studio — the world’s first sculpture to combine cross-continental, real-time climate change data with artificial intelligence (AI).

This digital sculpture is connected to two others in Beijing and Mexico City, all of which display visuals generated from NASA’s network of 20 climate-monitoring satellites.

Another highlight is from New York-based kinetic artist BREAKFAST, who will debut Carbon Wake, a seven-meter-long kinetic installation. This dynamic piece blends AI, data visualisation, and motion-tracking mechanics, transforming real-time energy data from cities around the world into a responsive, ever-evolving sculpture.

The third installation is a commission by Italian artist Jacopo Di Cera, supported by the digital art platform CIFRA. Titled Retreat, this four-meter-high structure is composed of cable bundles and more than 30 upcycled screens. It documents the rapid destruction of the Brenva glacier in the Italian Alps and prompts reflection on what will remain as nature disappears.

Finally, there is AIM – Dream Machine by HX Collective, which uses AI to transform visitors’ dreams into a kaleidoscopic visual experience.

What are some of the most innovative media formats or experimental techniques we can look forward to in Art Dubai Digital 2025?

We are going to see a lot of artificial intelligence applied across very different formats, particularly video, as well as in virtual environments and augmented reality. But this year, what matters most is not the latest technological developments applied to art — it’s reflecting on the message these works are trying to convey and how they represent the turbulent times we live in.

As Cedric Price said, “Technology is the answer, but what was the question?” We are often captivated by the technology itself — especially when it intersects with art — and forget to ask what that technology, which is ultimately just another artistic medium, is actually trying to address.

* Visit Art Dubai 2025, see details below

Art Dubai, the Middle East’s leading international art fair, opens next week at Madinat Jumeirah. The fair will present over 500 leading international and regional artists across 120 contemporary, modern and digital gallery presentations. The programme is drawn from more than 65 cities and 40 countries and is the region’s largest and most important annual art event. Art Dubai is an important gateway for discovery, learning and exchange, and the gallery programme is complemented by an expansive programme of immersive and site-specific installations, daily live performances, talks and events.

Dates & Timings

• VIP opening on Thursday, April 17
• Public dates: Friday, April 18 – Sunday, April 20
• Tickets available online and at the venue

○ One-day ticket: Dhs100

○ Three-day ticket: Dhs200

Entry is free for children aged 18 and under, and for university students.