Arshad Nadeem, Khabib Nurmagomedov and global sports icons to shine at inaugural World Sports Summit in Dubai


Arshad Nadeem, Khabib Nurmagomedov and global sports icons to shine at inaugural World Sports Summit in Dubai
By Nawaz Gohar ; Pakistani Olympic javelin star Arshad Nadeem and UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov are among a stellar lineup of global sports icons set to attend the first-ever World Sports Summit, taking place in Dubai on December 29–30, 2025.
The landmark event will gather a powerful mix of stakeholders shaping the future of sports and technology. Attendees include leading CEOs, business visionaries, and innovators driving transformation across sports and tech ecosystems.
Senior executives from major federations, professional clubs, and leagues will be present, alongside elite athletes and legendary figures whose influence continues to inspire the next generation of sports professionals.
The summit will also welcome sports ministers and government representatives, who play a pivotal role in shaping international sports policy and governance. Investors and innovators backing the future of the sports industry will explore new opportunities and partnerships, while academics and thought leaders contribute insights through research-driven discussions on the evolving dynamics of sports management, performance, and commercialization.
Arshad Nadeem has been selected as an honoree for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award 2025. He will participate in the summit programme and receive the prestigious award at a parallel official ceremony in Dubai. The Dubai Sports Council has called on relevant authorities to facilitate Nadeem’s travel and official procedures, extending its best wishes for his continued success.
The summit’s high-profile guest list also features international sports icons across disciplines, including football legends Ronaldo, Carles Puyol, and Kaka, former Indian cricket spinner Harbhajan Singh, tennis star Sania Mirza, and professional MMA fighter Khamzat Chimaev.



