The Sport Industry Forum 2025 wrapped up today at the Yas Conference Centre, Yas Marina Circuit, bringing together 450 senior executives and decision-makers from across the global sports business. Over two days, the Forum delivered high-level discussion, strategic insights and impactful networking at the region’s most influential industry platform.
The event featured an incredible lineup of speakers including H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary, UAE Ministry of Sports, H.E. Ahmed Ismail Al Hosani, Executive Director Support Services Sector, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, H.E. Talal Mustafa Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Events Sector, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Alexis Ohanian Co-Founder of Reddit, Founder of Seven Seven Six, John Terry, Former Professional Footballer, Chelsea F.C. and England National Team, Ian Rush, Former Professional Footballer, Liverpool F.C. and Welsh National Team and Robbie Fowler, Former Professional Footballer, Liverpool F.C. and English National Team.
H.E. Ahmed Ismail Al Hosani, Executive Director Support Services Sector, Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: “The success of this year’s Forum reflects Abu Dhabi’s ability to convene the international sports community at a pivotal moment. The conversations we have hosted here are not just about events, but about legacy, collaboration and building the future of sport for the benefit of our society.”
H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Sports, highlighted during his keynote interview on Day One: “Sport has the power to unite, inspire and transform communities. The Ministry is committed to ensuring that sport continues to play this role in our nation, and the Sport Industry Forum has provided valuable momentum as we strengthen governance, invest in talent and embrace innovation.”
Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, addressed the Forum on Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for sport and entertainment. He said: “Abu Dhabi has proven its ability to deliver world-class experiences, from Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, that resonate far beyond the field of play. At Ethara, we are proud to be part of this journey, with our venues and events that inspire fans, drive economic impact and set new standards across the region”.
Across two days, delegates heard from some of the world’s most recognisable executives and athletes. Day One highlights included Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler sharing their journeys from Liverpool F.C. legends to leadership off the pitch, Andrew Thompson of SailGP on building a global property from scratch, and Lara Price and Jamaal Lesane from the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks (respectively) reflecting on leadership in the NBA.
Day Two opened with Alexis Ohanian, Co-Founder of Reddit and Founder of Seven Seven Six, who outlined his vision for investing in women’s sport and the creation of ATHLOS, an exciting new global track and field concept. John Terry, former Chelsea
F.C. and England captain shared leadership lessons from his career on and off the pitch. On the importance of the Forum’s platform, he said “The Sport Industry Forum is a hub for the conversations that will shape the future of the sports industry.” Danny Townsend, CEO of SURJ Sports Investment, discussed Saudi Arabia’s long-term global ambitions in sport.
A major highlight was the exclusive session on the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, which will bring more than 25,000 athletes from 100+ nations to the UAE in the largest and most inclusive multi-sport event ever staged in the Middle East.
The Forum was officially supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Joining them were official partner Ethara, hospitality partner OVG Middle East, branding partner Wasserman Live and panel sponsor Nielsen Sports & Entertainment.
With unparalleled networking and content that drives action, the Sport Industry Forum 2025 reinforced Abu Dhabi and the Middle East’s role as a hub for innovation, collaboration and the future of sport.
