SPIA enjoys grand Abu Dhabi debut for 12th edition as Middle East's sports industry stars are celebrated
Prize winners included DP World, TikTok, ADSC, ADNOC, Ethara and Saudi Arabian Football Federation [SAFF]. Victors in the 19 categories had been picked by an independent panel of judges, comprising industry stalwarts chosen for their expertise in the Middle East sports ecosphere.
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.
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