Leaders

The Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi 2019 was held for the first time in the Middle East, in conjunction with the final rounds of the UAE Asian Cup 2019 and in the presence of 350 personalities representing the elite and leaders in international sports. His Excellency Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE General Authority for Sports and Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, opened the summit.

Programme Overview:

During the summit, the most prominent developments in the global sports industry were discussed, alongside the most advanced technologies, television and media coverage of sporting events and tournaments, in addition to investment, marketing and sponsorship files that have increased annually in light of the growing amounts spent on the sports sector. This has made sports one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the world in recent eras.

Featured Speakers:

Lord Sebastian Coe, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations

Datuk Windsor John, Secretary General of the Asian Football Confederation

Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Marketing & Brand at Emirates Airlines

Keith Harris, Vice Chairman of Everton F.C.

The Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi 2020 was held for the second year in a row, in the presence of 450 international figures, pioneers and business leaders of the sports sector.

Programme Overview:

The summit discussed many topics related to various aspects of sports and presented initiatives on the latest practices in sports management, marketing, investment, and communication with the fans, in addition to reviewing a number of successful experiences.

Featured Speakers:

Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council

Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, owner of Sheffield United Football Club (FC)

His Excellency Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports in Egypt

Al Tariq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit

Yasser Al Yousuf, Vice President of Commercial Partnerships at Etihad Airways

The fifth edition of the Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi was conducted in the presence of 450 elite international sports leaders.

Programme Overview:

The topics up for discussion revolved around the most important developments in international sports, including the requirements for organizing world-class events and the influence of international sports stars in fueling the enthusiasm of the masses. Speakers also highlighted many positive phenomena in the world of sports, the high demand witnessed in some games, and many topics related to marketing and sponsorship affairs, sports teams, and various factors that tied into their relationship with the global sports sector.

Featured Speakers:

Ibrahim Al Qassim, Secretary General of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)

Geoff Allardice, CEO of the International Cricket Council

Roy Hodgson, Football Manager of Crystal Palance

Alan Pardew, Football Manager

Sol Campbell, Football Manager

The fourth edition of the Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi was conducted in the presence of 400 elite international sports leaders.

Programme Overview:

The summit presented four main themes for discussion: Leadership, Technology, Creativity, and Experience.

Its aim was to provide participants with the opportunity to discuss everything new and innovative in the sports sector, while learning about challenges and opportunities. Sports leaders were able to interact under one roof in order to benefit from each other’s experiences, and transform ideas and opinions into tangible reality. Additionally, speakers from various parts of the region exchanged insightful views and visions on the evolution of sports and where long-term opportunities lie.

Featured Speakers:

Adrian Philby, Commercial Director of Celtic Football Club

Melissa M. Proctor, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club

Lex Robertson, Head of Marketing at Etihad Airways

Robbie Fowler, former England national football team and Liverpool star

Khaled Mubarak Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE Golf Federation