Dubai is making a significant mark in the world of sports, with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award rebranded as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award. This change is more than just a name; it signifies the award’s expansion beyond the UAE, inviting diverse talents and innovative ideas from around the globe. The revamped award will take center stage during the World Sports Summit at the end of December 2025, aiming to honor not only athletic achievements but also the creativity and dedication that elevate sports as a positive force in society. For sports enthusiasts and budding athletes alike, this development represents an exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and grow through the power of sport. Dubai’s commitment to promoting a healthier and more united community is further embodied in this update, possibly inspiring many to pursue their ambitions with renewed vigor.
The decision to rebrand was made in a pivotal meeting led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. This move reflects the city’s deep-rooted passion for sports and its drive to facilitate meaningful, long-lasting changes, spanning from grassroots level initiatives to prestigious events. With past prize amounts reaching into the millions, the award continues to garner attention, fostering community engagement through values such as fair play and innovative thinking.
The Rebranding: A Step Towards Worldwide Impact
The transition to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award emphasizes its enhanced international stature. This change was discussed during a recent meeting of the Dubai Sports Council board and underscores a growing emphasis on global creativity in sports. The award now aspires to transcend local and regional limits, celebrating efforts that resonate worldwide. It aligns well with Dubai’s ambitious goals of becoming a leader in innovation and solidarity through sports.
Sheikh Hamdan shared insights about the Dubai Sports Council’s strategic roadmap for the future, which aims to transform the sports landscape in ways that promote health, strengthen community ties, and ignite fresh ideas. This rebranding arrives at a critical juncture where sports are redefining how to integrate technology for improved training and advocate for inclusivity. By going global, the award opens its lens to diverse resilience stories and breakthroughs worldwide, truly encapsulating the essence of human spirit in action.
For newcomers to the award, the rebranding brings the promise of larger prizes, additional categories, and a spotlight on international athletes. It builds on a legacy that has consistently celebrated creative approaches, such as innovative coaching methods and community initiatives aimed at promoting sports among youth.
The World Sports Summit: Where Ideas Meet Action
The next awards ceremony will coincide with the World Sports Summit, set to take place on December 29-30, 2025, at the picturesque Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. This two-day event, hosted by the Dubai Sports Council under Sheikh Hamdan’s leadership, is expected to be the world’s largest sports summit, uniting leaders, athletes, and visionaries to strategize for the future. The summit aims to translate innovative ideas into actionable steps, covering topics ranging from technological advancements in sports to enhancing inclusivity.
The discussions will revolve around five main pillars: humanity and resilience, unity and inclusion, excellence, innovation, and legacy. These themes target contemporary challenges, including implementing AI for fairness in games and establishing sustainable sports venues. Attendees can expect dynamic conversations about how sports can drive economic growth, nurture emerging talent, and enrich fan experiences, providing a platform for athletes to share their comeback narratives, business leaders to discuss emerging models, and policymakers to plan for a promising future.
Dubai’s selection as the host city is a fitting choice given its reputation for high-profile events, including horse racing and tennis tournaments. The summit aspires to bridge gaps within the sports community across various disciplines, forging lasting connections. For participants, this event serves as an invaluable opportunity to network, gain insights, and return home with transformative ideas.
Roots of the Award: From Local Start to Global Stage
Initially launched in 2009 as part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives, the award was designed to foster creativity and entrepreneurship within sports. Over the years, it has evolved significantly, offering substantial cash prizes—sometimes reaching up to Dhs7.5 million—to recognize individuals and groups making a positive impact. The award has established collaborations with over 200 national Olympic committees, Paralympic organizations, and international federations, solidifying its role in the global sports arena.
The award honors initiatives in vital areas, including tolerance, community engagement, and coping mechanisms in crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It placed special emphasis on women’s contributions to sports starting in 2021, demonstrating a commitment to equality. Even during challenging times, like when its 11th edition faced delays, the award adapted to highlight essential health and safety protocols in sporting events.
This rich history sets a solid foundation for the award’s global rebranding, enhancing its appeal and outreach. It has always focused on more than just accolades, seeking to empower communities through inventive solutions and a shared passion for sports.
Categories: Honoring Creativity in Every Form
The award encompasses three primary categories to recognize a wide array of contributions: Individual Sports Creativity acknowledges athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators for remarkable achievements at various levels. Group Sports Creativity highlights teams that embody groundbreaking approaches, while Corporate Sports Creativity rewards organizations for exemplary initiatives pushing the boundaries of the industry.
Additionally, special categories exist for local UAE talent, such as Best Local Athlete, Referee, Coach, Team, Administrator, and Organization. Honoring Arab contributions alongside international figures ensures the award’s inclusive nature, celebrating top athletes, coaches, and teams. Other honors include the Sports Figure Who Enriched the Local Movement and the Athlete Who Overcame Humanitarian Challenges, along with the Creative Athlete category designed for individuals with disabilities—an example being the 2023 win for Algerian para-athlete Nasima Safi. This structure guarantees recognition for everyone, from grassroots unsung heroes to well-known global figures.
Shining Stars: Notable Winners and Their Stories
The award has consistently recognized exceptional talent over the years. Notable winners include Egyptian football icon Mohammed Salah, who received the Arab Sports Personality prize in 2018. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also awarded in the 12th edition in 2024 for his outstanding leadership. Other prominent names, such as UAE’s Ammar bin Humaid and IWF President Mohammed Jalood, are also part of the award’s illustrious roster.
Past accolades include notable athletes like Qatari high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim in 2013, Jordanian taekwondo champion Ahmad Abughaush in 2016, and Egyptian squash star Nour El Sherbini in 2017. The UAE National Football Team and organizations like the International Cricket Council have also been recognized. These stories symbolize the award’s commitment to uplifting individuals who challenge norms and contribute to the advancement of sports, whether by overcoming personal hurdles or enhancing systemic practices.
Women have also made significant gains, with distinguished figures like Bahrain’s Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa and Saudi Arabia’s Reema bint Bandar recognized for their groundbreaking roles. Each laureate brings a unique narrative of determination and resilience, compelling others to strive for greatness.
Leading the Way: The Team Behind the Award
A dedicated Board of Trustees, led by Mattar Mohammed Al-Tayer, oversees the smooth operation of the award. The board includes members from various Arab countries, including Dr. Hassan Moustafa from Egypt. Secretary General Moaza Saeed Al-Marri plays a crucial role in guiding the selection process, with nominations sourced from an expansive network to ensure fairness and diversity in choices.
What Is Next: Excitement Builds for 2025
With the winners set to be announced on December 29, 2025, at the summit, the anticipation is palpable. The ceremony promises to be a highlight of the event, reflecting Dubai’s vision for sports as a catalyst for progress. This global initiative could open doors to more partnerships and fresh talent, exciting fans who are eager for more inspirational stories and events. Whether you are an aspiring athlete or an avid sports follower, this new chapter offers the potential for enriching and impactful experiences in the world of sports.
