Latest news with #InternationalSportsandEntertainmentZone
Emirates 24/7
11-03-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai to Host First-Ever International Sports & Entertainment Free Zone Cluster
Dubai is set to launch its first-ever International Sports and Entertainment Zone (ISEZA), located within the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone. The establishment of ISEZA will significantly enhance Dubai's status as a global hub for sports and entertainment industries. ISEZA is envisioned as a dedicated Free Zone cluster focusing exclusively on the sports and entertainment sectors. It aims to facilitate business licensing and foster a collaborative environment to accelerate industry growth. Currently, Dubai's sports industry contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to the UAE economy. The country already hosts over 40 specialized Free Zones, and ISEZA will uniquely serve the burgeoning sports and entertainment sectors within the UAE and broader Middle East. The new zone will support businesses involved in traditional areas such as sports management, marketing, event management, talent representation, media, and broadcasting, while also encouraging growth in emerging segments including e-sports, AI-driven sports technology, and fan tokens. It will attract a diverse mix of industry stakeholders such as global brands, sports leagues, franchises, rights holders, investors, talent agencies, artists, influencers, and media professionals. ISEZA will also provide comprehensive corporate and legal support to its members, working closely with UAE authorities such as the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, and the UAE National Olympic Committee. Khaled AlFahim, Vice President of Asset & Investment Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, "The launch of ISEZA within the DWTC Free Zone will foster a dynamic ecosystem, empowering sports and entertainment businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to thrive. Our prime location, streamlined business setup process, and networking opportunities align perfectly with Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33)." ISEZA's CEO, Damir Valeev, emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating, "This initiative aligns with Dubai's vision as a global sports, entertainment, and tourism destination. It will significantly contribute to promoting active sports, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement through exhibitions, museums, academic programs, and social projects." Located in One Central, next to the iconic Dubai Museum of the Future, ISEZA is positioned to become a central hub for sports and entertainment professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts. For more information about ISEZA and its offerings, please contact setup@ About ISEZA The International Sports and Entertainment Zone (ISEZA) is a unique global Free Zone cluster dedicated exclusively to sports and entertainment industries. It serves as a collaborative business incubator, offering comprehensive corporate and legal support, including licensing, permits, immigration, banking, and regulatory assistance for its members. About Dubai World Trade Centre Authority Established in 2015, Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) provides a competitive and regulated Free Zone ecosystem, strategically located within Dubai's Central Business District. With over two million square feet of premium commercial office space, it hosts a diverse international business community of startups, SMEs, and leading corporations across more than 40 industries.
Khaleej Times
11-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai sets up new free zone for sports, entertainment business activities
Dubai on Tuesday announced a new free zone cluster dedicated to sports and entertainment. The International Sports and Entertainment Zone (ISEZA) is set to debut within the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone, facilitating licensing for distinct sports and entertainment business activities. ISEZA is a first-of-a-kind industry-dedicated free zone cluster in the UAE and globally. The zone will provide a platform for licensing businesses across established sectors, such as sports management and marketing, event management, talent representation and media and broadcasting, while also supporting growth in emerging areas like e-sports, AI-driven sports tech, and fan tokens. The zone will be home to a diverse range of industry players including global brands, sports leagues and franchises, rights owners and investors, sports and talent agencies, artists, sports and media personalities, social media influencers and creative industries professionals. It aims to attract international and regional sports organisations, such as sports federations, associations and leagues, both in established and emerging sports. ISEZA assured that it will offer comprehensive corporate and legal support tailored to its members, working closely with key UAE authorities, such as the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, UAE National Olympic Community, and others. 'The launch of ISEZA within the DWTC Free Zone will foster a dynamic ecosystem, empowering sports and entertainment businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to thrive. ISEZA members will benefit from the free zone's prime location, and access to valuable networking opportunities through our diverse events and exhibitions calendar,' said Khaled AlFahim, vice president of asset and investment management at Dubai World Trade Centre. Damir Valeev, CEO of ISEZA, said this initiative will have a major social impact creating a unique environment for hosting sports exhibitions, museums, academic programmes and community projects in the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo areas. 'Driven by the UAE's vision of business development with higher social impact, we believe it will further contribute to the promotion of active sports and healthy lifestyle in the UAE overall'. Dubai's sports industry contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to its economy. Currently, there are over 40 free zones across the UAE, focusing on various industries.
