SPIA enjoys grand Abu Dhabi debut for 12th edition as Middle East's sports industry stars are celebrated
Sport360X Managing Director Bassam Nawfal was thrilled by the strong response to this year's awards.
He said: 'We are incredibly proud to have brought the 12th edition of the Sports Industry Awards to Abu Dhabi.
'This event has always been about celebrating the visionaries, organisations and initiatives driving the growth of sport across the region – and 2025 was no exception. Welcoming so many illustrious guests to Space42 Arena was a testament to the passion and momentum behind the Middle East's sports industry.
'From outstanding campaigns to world-class facilities, the calibre of this year's winners was truly inspiring. We're also grateful to all our partners and sponsors whose support made this latest celebration possible.
'Since being established in 2012, the Sports Industry Awards has stood as a beacon of excellence, and we're thrilled with the overwhelming response to this milestone edition.'
Each submission was thoroughly evaluated against set criteria by a panel of seasoned experts from across the sports sector, ensuring a process rooted in integrity and fairness. With transparency as a priority, 16 judges applied a structured, impartial approach to provide every entrant an equal opportunity.
These included: H.H. Princess Nouf AlSaud (General Manager – Marketing, Ministry of Sport Saudi Arabia), Richard Scudamore (Former Executive Chairman & CEO, Premier League), Marina Storti (CEO, WTA Ventures), H.E. Ali Al Ali (CEO & Board Member, Dubai Racing Club), Melissa Moncada (CEO & Founder, Aurora Group), Danny Townsend (CEO, SURJ Sports Investment), Tom Foley (CEO, Go Sport), Shaima Alhusseini (Saudi Sports for all Federation, Managing Director), Jan Paterson (Managing Director – Sport, NEOM), Andrea De Vincentiis (HSBC, Global Head of Brand Partnerships), Alex Brown (Senior Vice President, Brand & Marketing, ADNOC), Jamie Dean (Executive Director – Sports, MODON), Simon Morris (Vice President, Marketing, International, Adobe), Karim Younes (Islamic Solidarity Games Riyadh 2025, Head of Marketing & Commercial), Warwick Gird (General Manager – Marketing, Spinneys).
Abu Dhabi Sports Council came away with 'Best Youth Sports Program' for Active Hub, 'Best Corporate Wellness' with Abu Dhabi Government Games 2024 and 'Best Mass Participation Event' for ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon. Their General Secretary, His Excellency Aref Al Awani, was also honoured with 'Strategic Leadership in Middle East Sport'.
Saudi Arabia's Adwa AlArifi, Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs at Ministry of Sport, received the night's second recognition prize, for 'Transformational Leadership in Middle East Sport'.
An evening of success for DP World included 'Best Sports Campaign' (Beyond Borders with 160over90), 'Excellence in Sustainability' with Green Drive and 'Best Sport Event' for DP World Tour Championship.
Ethara won 'Best Sports Agency' and 'Outstanding Contribution to Sport in the Middle East', while their work with Train Yas was awarded with 'Best Community Sports Initiative'.
Other highlights included TikTok Zone (For UAE Pro League) being honoured with gold in 'Best Fan Engagement in Sport' and Growing.Together. (Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034™ Bid) getting silver in 'Best Sports Campaign'.
For more information, please visit spiame.com .
ABOUT THE ORGANISERS
Sport360X
Sport360X has been telling the Middle East's very best sports stories for more than a decade across video, social, gaming and events. It boasts the narrative and creative skills, in Arabic and English, to produce market-leading content that builds affinity with fans and commercial partners alike.
Access is provided to more than 15m followers on Sport360X's native social media platforms, plus websites that generate more than 12m monthly page views.
Interact
Interact was founded in 2014 from a bold vision to inspire a healthier, more active generation.
As the owners of the Sports Industry Series, Interact partners with leading brands and government bodies to embed healthy behaviours deep within communities.
Their work spans the design, delivery and promotion of impactful, large-scale initiatives and events that boost physical activity, support healthier eating, and improve mental well-being across diverse population.
Sport Industry Series
October 2024's game-changing partnership saw Interact's Sport Industry Forum and Sport360X's SPIA come together under Sport Industry Series.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
6 hours ago
- Al Etihad
ADNOC Sports Tournament 2025 concludes with strong participation
17 July 2025 14:02 ABU DHABI (WAM) The ADNOC Sports Tournament 2025, organised by ADNOC in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and ADNEC, concluded on Wednesday after three weeks of under the theme 'Energy for Wellbeing,' the tournament brought together more than 2,000 ADNOC employees, their families, and year's edition took place across several venues, including Abu Dhabi Summer Sports at ADNEC, Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and Al Forsan International Sports event featured more than 10 - team and individual - sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, handball, jiu jitsu, chess, padel, women's volleyball, and shooting, with age-specific competitions to encourage broader tournament also integrated traditional Emirati sports, including camel racing, falconry, and Al-Mutarah, reinforcing ADNOC's commitment to fostering national identity and pride in the UAE's cultural tournament was attended by Sheikh Zayed bin Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan; Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO; Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group; Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, alongside senior ADNOC executives and former UAE National Football this occasion, Talal Al Hashemi said, 'We are proud of our partnership with ADNOC in organising a unique sporting championship that contributes to promoting the values of health, fitness, and social cohesion, in line with the objectives of the UAE's Year of Community." ADNOC Sports Tournament was established in 1994 to support ADNOC's efforts in harnessing the power of sports to unite communities, enhance wellbeing, and inspire national pride.
Emirates 24/7
10 hours ago
- Emirates 24/7
DP World, Indian Port, Nevomo sign MoU to Explore Autonomous Maglev Freight
DP World, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), and Nevomo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential opportunities for cooperation in the development and implementation of a pilot project using Nevomo's MagRail proprietary technology for the self-propelled movement of rail-based cargo and freight within the existing port ecosystems. DP World, a global leader in smart end-to-end supply chain solutions, is leading efforts to introduce advanced freight technology aimed at transforming cargo movement in India. Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), a key multi-cargo port under the Government of India, is facilitating exploration of this technology at its terminal in Kandla to evaluate the feasibility of this futuristic freight transportation system. The initiative marks a significant step toward building faster, more efficient, and sustainable port-hinterland connectivity. This initiative is aligned with India's National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti agenda aimed at modernizing and integrating the country's logistics infrastructure. The MoU was signed by Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa, India Subcontinent, DP World, and Przemek (Ben) Paczek CEO Nevomo Group BV along with other senior dignitaries in Kandla, Gujarat, on 15th July 2025. The MoU sets the framework for a 750-metre pilot project of MagRail technology at Deendayal Port. A first-of-its-kind initiative in India will demonstrate self-propelled freight movement within a live port environment. It aims to develop and implement MagRail-based solutions that enable autonomous, electric-powered wagons using linear motor technology on existing rail tracks, enhancing capacity, efficiency, and speed for containerized and bulk cargo while reducing costs and CO2 emissions, making the logistics systems greener, faster, and more interoperable. Commenting on the occasion, Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), said, 'This collaboration is a strategic advancement in port infrastructure, enhancing capacity and operational efficiency to support growing cargo demands. DP World, as trusted partner, plays a crucial role in enabling this initiative, which aligns with our commitment to strengthening India's logistics framework and ensuring seamless trade facilitation.' Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said, 'At DP World, we are committed to future-proofing our terminals by adopting innovative technologies that redefine how cargo moves through the supply chain. Piloting solutions like MagRail aligns with our focus on enhancing speed, efficiency, and sustainability in logistics. By reducing transit times and optimising infrastructure use, we aim to create greater value for customers, support Deendayal Port Authority in scaling capacity, and contribute to India's broader trade and connectivity goals.' Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa & India Subcontinent, DP World, "We believe transformative infrastructure is driven by collaboration and long-term thinking. The partnership between DP World and Deendayal Port Authority along with Nevomo offers a unique opportunity to reimagine the future of freight movement in India. Our commitment goes beyond individual projects—we are partnering to accelerate India's ambition to further expand and integrate port-led logistics ecosystems and achieve carbon neutrality by leveraging technology effectively in infrastructure solutions." Przemek (Ben) Paczek CEO Nevomo Group BV, commented, 'We are proud to partner in this innovative initiative at Deendayal Port to showcase MagRail's real-world potential in enhancing freight efficiency, capacity, and flexibility. Collaborating with world-class organisations like DP World and Deendayal Port Authority, this is a significant step towards advancing sustainable logistics in India.' This landmark collaboration will demonstrate how MagRail technology can automate short-haul cargo transfers, reduce reliance on diesel vehicles, and improve yard efficiency. The pilot project at Deendayal Port aims to set new standards in efficiency and sustainability, showcasing how innovation can transform ports into engines of economic growth and global trade competitiveness.
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai among world's tallest cities as UAE overtakes US in skyscraper race
The UAE has vaulted past the United States to claim the second spot in the world for the number of supertall skyscrapers—those rising above 300 metres—according to the latest global rankings released by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). This milestone not only underpins the country's place on the global architectural map but also reflects a broader narrative of urban ambition, national pride, and visionary transformation of its skyline. From the soaring Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the sleek Adnoc Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the UAE is home to more than 30 completed supertall structures, the vast majority of which have been built in the last decade. This rapid vertical ascent is more than a race for height — it's a statement of purpose. As the CTBUH notes, the UAE has emerged as a global leader in marrying futuristic design with engineering prowess, constructing high-performance buildings that are not just taller but smarter, greener, and more resilient. At the heart of this vertical revolution is Dubai, now ranked fourth in the world among cities with the highest number of completed buildings over 150 metres in height. With over 250 skyscrapers surpassing that benchmark, Dubai's skyline is an extraordinary fusion of ambition and aesthetics. Anchored by the 828-metre Burj Khalifa—the tallest building on Earth—Dubai's architectural landscape is a dramatic showcase of economic diversification, tourism magnetism, and real estate dynamism. The rise of Dubai has been swift and symbolic. Once a modest Gulf city, it has transformed into a glittering metropolis that competes head-to-head with global powerhouses like Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and New York. Much of this ascent has been propelled by the city's desire to diversify away from oil dependence and position itself as a hub for international business, innovation, and luxury lifestyle. Skyscrapers are not merely structures here—they are expressions of national identity, global relevance, and economic aspiration. Many of Dubai's towers are concentrated along Sheikh Zayed Road, the Marina, and Downtown Dubai, with each new addition pushing the envelope in terms of design and purpose. From residential towers to mixed-use marvels, the city's skyline is a vertical mosaic that reflects a blend of cultures, technologies, and economic forces. Globally, the UAE's status as the world's second-most prolific builder of supertall skyscrapers marks a historic shift. The dominance of the United States, once the undisputed birthplace and leader of the skyscraper age, is now being challenged by the UAE's accelerated pace of development and its embrace of next-generation architecture. This is part of a larger trend that sees Middle Eastern cities becoming increasingly central to the global conversation on urban form and livability. According to CTBUH, the UAE currently boasts more than 200 buildings over 150 metres tall and over 30 that soar beyond 300 metres. The country's strategy of creating iconic structures as anchors for global visibility and economic activity has paid off. Buildings like Marina 101, Emirates Towers, and the Capital Gate not only define the skylines of their cities but have become international landmarks in their own right. Dubai's ranking among the top four cities globally for skyscrapers over 150 metres places it just behind Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and New York—three cities that have long defined the art of vertical urbanism. Hong Kong leads the global list with over 550 high-rises, followed by Shenzhen with more than 380, and New York with over 320. While these cities owe their skylines to historical economic booms and geographic constraints, Dubai's story is one of deliberate and rapid reinvention. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are also contributing to the UAE's upward trajectory. Abu Dhabi's skyline has matured significantly with the addition of civic, commercial, and residential towers that emphasise sustainability and design integrity. Sharjah is following suit with a new generation of high-rises that combine affordability with modern urban living. According to property pundits, the UAE's architectural achievements are not just feats of engineering—they are cultural symbols that articulate the country's openness to global capital, talent, and innovation. They stand as monuments to the nation's journey from desert settlements to urban marvels, attracting millions of tourists, investors, and visionaries from around the world.
