Sandrine Nzeukou, MBA’s Post

🏟️🇦🇪⚽️| Dubai: The New Hub for International Football Academies Dubai is fast becoming a premier destination for international football clubs establishing training bases and academies. AC Milan recently joined the ranks of prestigious clubs like Juventus Football Club, FC Internazionale Milano, Real Madrid C.F., FC Barcelona, Manchester City Football Club , AFC Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain by announcing its new academy in collaboration with local startup Ball Beast Academy, which focuses on nurturing young football talent. Today, Dubai is home to 11 international football academies, including those from top-tier clubs. In total, Dubai hosts 400 sports academies across more than 50 sports, reinforcing its status as a global center for sports training and talent development. Dubai Sports Council (#DSC) continues to play a pivotal role in this growth, with a strategic focus on attracting top sporting ventures and nurturing future champions. The DSC has already contributed over $2.15 billion to Dubai’s economy, accounting for nearly 2% of the emirate’s GDP. Dubai's flourishing sports tourism sector also bolsters its economy. Sports tourists typically spend around $5,000 per visit, supporting the creation of approximately 100,000 jobs and driving demand in sectors like hospitality and real estate. Annually, Dubai hosts over 400 sporting events, from golf and rugby to esports, further positioning itself as a go-to destination for international sports. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a business-friendly environment, Dubai is not only attracting high-profile football academies but is also solidifying its status as a global sports hub. #Footballhub I #DSC #soccer #Sport #Football #Sports #Dubai #UAE

https://lnkd.in/daPEGN3u 🌍🏀 Exciting News for Dubai and the UAE’s Global Business and Sports Landscape! 🌟✈️ We’re thrilled to share that Emirates airline, a symbol of our nation’s ambitious vision, has entered into a multi-year sponsorship deal with America’s NBA basketball league. This strategic partnership not only showcases the airline’s commitment to global sports but also marks a significant milestone in strengthening Dubai and the UAE’s position as a global magnet for wealth migration and a dynamic hub for the world’s biggest brands. For years, Emirates has been at the forefront of supporting iconic sports teams and events across the globe, including partnerships with world-renowned soccer clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and AC Milan. This new alliance with the NBA further cements the UAE’s reputation as a major player on the international stage, attracting attention and investment from around the world. This development is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a testament to our nation’s growing influence and appeal as a premier destination for business, sports, and luxury living. Let’s celebrate this achievement and look forward to the endless possibilities it brings to our shores. #Emirates #NBA #Dubai #UAE #GlobalBusiness #SportsSponsorship #Innovation #WealthMigration

This week in Doha, players have asked me about my move back to the UK (from Dubai) and would I do it differently? With the benefit of hindsight, I expected the padel market in the UK to be further along. When I moved from Dubai on a tax-free, comfortable salary, to starting a business with a young family, in a country where padel wasn't developed at the time, I probably would have said to myself, “Am I sure it is the right time for padel in the UK?” With the benefit of hindsight, looking back now, I could have waited two more years, even now, padel in the UK is barely getting started. All countries that start padel have a couple of years where everyone involved (federations, clubs, coaches, players etc.) works out how to do everything. In the padel communities people think the sport is "exploding" in the country but in reality outside their groups the infrastructure is in very early stages. Personally I would not change my decision to move, but I may have waited a little longer! I would also have spent much more time researching the cost of starting a new business in the UK haha...that has been quite an experience. At what point would I have thought it is enough momentum to come back? When I moved we were on about 120 courts in the UK, now we are on 350...I think I would make that decision to come back on 750 courts (and that would still be considered in the early phases of growth in the sport compared to other countries!!). How about in your location? What stage of growth do you think the game is in?

🔍 Understanding someone's process is key! 🤝 Delving into the Dubai Sports Council preferences helps us know the perfect time and content to share. Tailoring announcements for consideration and publication becomes an art when we appreciate the intricacies of our partnering organisations' workflow. 📄📬 #Strategy #MENASports #DubaiSports

✨ Recent Sports Partnerships in the UAE ✨ The UAE sports scene is thriving with exciting new partnerships that are set to enhance the athletic landscape! 🚴 Dubai Sports Council & International Federations: The recent collaboration with various international sports federations aims to host more global events in Dubai, bringing world-class competitions to our shores and boosting tourism. ⛳️ Abu Dhabi’s ‘Athlete Development Program’: A partnership with local universities and sports academies is focused on nurturing young talent. This initiative will provide scholarships and professional training, ensuring that aspiring athletes have the resources they need to succeed. ⚽️ Etihad Airways & Manchester City: Building on their longstanding relationship, this partnership continues to enhance community engagement through football clinics and events, inspiring the next generation of fans and players in the region. These partnerships not only elevate the UAE's status in the global sports arena but also foster community spirit and healthy living. As we embrace these initiatives, it's clear that the future of sports in the UAE is bright! #UAE #SportsPartnerships #DubaiSportsCouncil #AthleteDevelopment #CommunityEngagement

The Business of Sport in the Middle East: A Growing Powerhouse 🌍⚽️ The Middle East is transforming into a global center for the sports industry, driven by visionary investment and bold ambition. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others are setting the stage for a new era in sports. 🇦🇪 UAE has become a sporting powerhouse, hosting events like the Dubai World Cup, one of the richest horse races in the world, and the UAE Tour, which brings the best in cycling to the region. The country is also home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and numerous international golf tournaments. Beyond the events, the UAE is investing in sports tech, e-sports, and academies that nurture the next generation of athletes, making it a hub for sports innovation and business. 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030 plan, has seen immense growth in its sports sector. The acquisition of top global football talent into the Saudi Pro League is just the beginning. The country has also made waves with the Saudi International Golf Tournament, WWE events, and the Dakar Rally. Saudi Arabia is also developing e-sports and is bidding to host more major international events, showing its commitment to becoming a key player in the global sports landscape. 🇶🇦 Qatar continues to build on its success after hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, which was a game-changer for the region. It put Qatar on the map for global sporting events, with the country continuing to invest in sports infrastructure. Qatar has also positioned itself as a leader in football by owning Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and driving regional collaborations across multiple sports. 🌍 Bahrain and Oman are also becoming increasingly important in the sports industry. Bahrain has its own F1 Grand Prix, and Oman is focused on water sports and endurance events, attracting athletes and tourists alike. These nations are not only hosting world-class events, but they are also creating sustainable sports ecosystems that drive tourism, innovation, and economic growth. The business of sport is booming here, with sponsorship deals, media rights, and new ventures shaping the future. I’m excited to connect with professionals in sports, tourism, and business who are passionate about the opportunities in this growing market. Let’s collaborate to harness the full potential of the Middle East’s sports industry! Drop me a message or leave a comment, and let’s chat! 🌟 #Dubai #SportsBusiness #TechIndustry #PropertyIndustry #Entrepreneurship #GymCommunity #Family #Networking #Growth #Partnerships #UAE #UK #Global #Connections #Opportunities #SportsTech #Sports #Events #Ticketing #Inventory

 Sports Tourism is Booming in the Middle East! 📈✨   Which sports marketing campaign has impressed you the most in attracting fans to the region?   In 2023, the Middle East welcomed a record 87.1 million international visitors—a 22% increase over 2019, driven in a significant part by the region’s rapidly expanding sports tourism sector. 🚀   What’s driving this growth?   ⚽ FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 effect: Qatar’s successful hosting of the World Cup has reshaped the region’s image, making it a key destination for elite sporting events. Initiatives like Qatar Airways' all-inclusive travel packages for sports fans have further improved Qatar’s appeal to international visitors.   ✈️ Sports continue to put UAE on the map: For a number of years successful global sports partnerships for both Etihad Airways and Emirates have helped to make the UAE the most visited country in the Gulf. With world leading events like the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Emirates Rugby Sevens, the UAE continues to attract both local and international tourists through high-profile sporting events.    🥊 Riyadh Season | موسم الرياض and mega-events: Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season, featuring lucrative boxing matches and entertainment spectacles, has positioned the Kingdom as a new player in the global sports tourism market.   🌍Tourism Boards: Qatar Tourism and Experience Abu Dhabi have partnered with UEFA and Formula 1 to highlight their cultural attractions. A lucrative campaign between Lionel Messi and Visit Saudi has also given the region great visibility.   With the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia emerging as key destinations, the Middle East is rapidly becoming a leader in global sports tourism. Strategic events, investments, and international sponsorships are driving this transformation.   [email protected] www.mesifglobal.com   #MESIF #SportsTourism #MiddleEast #RiyadhSeason #VisitQatar #AbuDhabiGP #EmiratesRugbySevens #F1QatarGP #ExploreMiddleEast #WorldCupLegacy #GlobalSportsSponsorship

Chelsea Football Club has signed a sponsorship deal with Singapore hospitality company The Ascott Limited . The Capital Land subsidiary Asscot announced a Multi year sponsorship deal with English Premier league football club Chelsea. As part of the deal, Ascott will take over the management of the two stadium hotels at Chelsea's London home ground from the second half of this year. The partnership with the five-time Premier League champion club will provide "money can't buy" experiences for members of the Ascott Star. The reason behind Sponsorship with Chelsea Fc is because Ascott wants to expand their business in Europe. They have also announced the signing of six new properties in 5 European cities. 1) Colmar in France 2) Edinburgh, 3) Glasgow, 4) Leicester and 5) Manchester. Europe plays an important role for the expansion of the company due to the high demand of luxury hotels for tourists. Fans of Chelsea can look forward to Score Big with stay experiences complemented with guided stadium tours and commemorative co-branded merchandise available in limited quantities. Source - https://lnkd.in/duq65Wzf #sports #sponsorship #ascott #chelsea

"Our eyes have always been on the NBA". With naming rights for the Emirates NBA Cup, Dubai continues to grow its global soft power with its rich portfolio of sports sponsorships which includes: - football - the Emirates FA Cup, Real Madrid, Arsenal and more .. - tennis - horse racing - golf - cricket - cycling - sailing - Australian rules football It's a win-win for both the NBA, which wants to increase its global reach and audience, and Emirates, which has 96 weekly flights into 12 US gateways. Emirates is synonymous with the UAE and Dubai and is one of the world's top airlines. It's not just Dubai making waves in global sports sponsorship. From the region, Etihad (Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain all sponsor varied sports. It serves multiple purposes for these economies including: - building global awareness and soft power - attracting tourists and investment - encouraging sports and active, healthy lifestyles in the region The business of sports is also now an investment asset class with huge returns for strategic and financial investors. So, which National Basketball Association (NBA) stars will we bump into, in Dubai? #emirates #nba #sports #dubai #uae

The true success of hosting major sporting events extends far beyond immediate economic results. Strategic benefits, such as enhancing national brand equity, boosting tourism, and reinforcing soft power on the global stage, often become lasting legacies. Consider Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With an investment ranging between $220 billion and $300 billion in infrastructure and preparations, Qatar's commitment was not just about creating world-class sports facilities but also about positioning itself as a modern, innovative nation. The country leveraged the World Cup to showcase its culture and improve its geopolitical standing in line with its Qatar National Vision 2030. Notably, just two months after the event, Qatar experienced a 406% surge in international visitors compared to the previous year, reflecting the enduring appeal of a well-executed global event. Similarly, China invested over $40 billion in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including infrastructure improvements. The iconic ‘Bird’s Nest’ stadium, designed under the artistic direction of Ai Weiwei, became a lasting symbol of modern China and its aspirations on the world stage. However, it's important to recognize the substantial financial commitment required to host such events. Not many cities can afford such an investment, which often means that those that do already possess a certain level of brand prestige. Additionally, unsuccessful games can leave behind legacies of seldom- or never-used structures that occupy valuable land and are expensive to maintain. For example, in Sydney, Australia, it now costs $30 million a year just to operate the 90,000-seat Olympic stadium. So, is hosting worth it? The answer is complex and varies by situation. While the benefits in national branding, tourism, and soft power can be substantial, they often come at a high cost that requires careful planning to ensure lasting value. What do you think—are the benefits worth the risks? Are there other indirect benefits that should be considered? Let’s discuss in the comments! #SportsMarketing #PerformanceMarketing #FinancialMarket #Olympics #BusinessCaseStudy