Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi returns for 2023, hosted at the Yas Marina Circuit

The Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, returns to the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit on 1-2 March 2023. Leaders will host two days of exclusive insight led content from leading global sports organisations and local entities. 

Over 450 industry leaders from every corner of the world will gather to explore ‘Mission 2030: Navigating the Future of Sport’, drawing inspiration from the Abu Dhabi Government’s long-term plan for the transformation of the emirate’s economy, examining how sport can be a contributor. 

To forge conversations with the global sports industry’s elite, Leaders will draw upon four core topic areas:  

• Big Venues, Big Events: Developing first-class physical offerings to remain appealing in a digital world and the process of creating a sporting landmark 
• For the Fans: Deeper ways to engage and interact with their favourite sports the application of gamification to increase fans’ involvement matches 
• Invention, Innovation & Investment: Navigating the transition from Web2 to Web3 and how technology can be used to remove barriers to entry 
• From Global to Grassroots: Unlocking regions and knocking down borders to take your sport to every community, alongside finessing the funnel from participation to elite 

Returning to the region for the fifth year, the Leaders Sport Business Summit will see leagues, teams, broadcasters, brands, agencies, and other specialist service providers all descend on the Middle East. International attendees will join those from the GCC providing the opportunity to connect, build new relationships and foster those already in place. 

Major global sport properties will present on the next big trends and best practise, along with the GCC local speakers sharing insights on how the region is developing and where the long-term opportunities lie. Leaders will host this event at the state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit, providing those in attendance with an unforgettable experience and a taster of the incredible sports facilities the UAE capital has to offer.  

His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We welcome all international sports leaders to speak at the Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi to discuss developments in the global sports scene. 

“The summit provides a platform for the owners of these sports partnerships to present their best ideas. In view of Abu Dhabi hosting many international sporting events, the capital city has become a top destination on the global sports map. This summit reflects the reality of the important links and partnerships between the executive leaders of international sports institutions and federations that continuously yield outstanding global outputs.” 

Laura McQueen, Leaders Managing Director commented on 2023’s event; “We’re thrilled to be working once again alongside our longstanding partners Abu Dhabi Sports Council to deliver a return to Abu Dhabi for the fifth edition of the Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi. Over the course of The Summit, we’ll be hearing from the who’s who of the global sports industry to explore how to navigate the future of sport. 

Abu Dhabi is now well and truly on the map of global sport having hosted the Formula 1 Etihad Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, HSBC Championship, and World Triathlon Championship Finals, alongside welcoming the NBA and UFC in recent years. For those who have not yet visited the region, this is a perfect opportunity to explore this impressive sporting destination and meet the experts in Middle East. 

As far as venue’s go, it doesn’t get much better than the Yas Marina Circuit. We’ve had the pleasure of hosting here in previous years and feel as though it aligns perfectly with Leaders, in delivering a first class experience for international and local delegates. It’s one not to miss.” 

For further details on Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi and to understand how you can join us, please visit the Leaders website.