Dubai has announced the establishment of the International Sports and Entertainment Zone (ISEZA), a new free zone cluster dedicated to sports and entertainment businesses. Located within the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone, ISEZA will offer licensing opportunities for a wide range of sports and entertainment-related activities.
A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative
ISEZA stands out as the first industry-specific free zone cluster in the UAE and globally, designed to support businesses in both established and emerging sectors. This includes sports management and marketing, event management, talent representation, and media broadcasting. Additionally, it will foster growth in innovative areas such as e-sports, AI-driven sports technologies, and fan tokens.
A Hub for Industry Leaders
The zone is expected to attract a diverse mix of stakeholders, including global sports brands, leagues, franchises, rights owners, investors, talent agencies, media personalities, social media influencers, and creative professionals. It will also serve as a hub for international and regional sports organisations, such as federations, associations, and leagues in both traditional and emerging sports sectors.
Comprehensive Support for Businesses
ISEZA will provide businesses with tailored corporate and legal support, working closely with key authorities like the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, and the UAE National Olympic Committee. This strategic backing is expected to create a thriving environment for startups, entrepreneurs, and established businesses alike.
Khaled AlFahim, Vice President of Asset and Investment Management at DWTC, highlighted the benefits of the zone’s prime location and the networking opportunities available through DWTC’s extensive calendar of events and exhibitions.
Damir Valeev, CEO of ISEZA, noted that the initiative will have a significant social impact by creating a platform for sports exhibitions, museums, academic programmes, and community projects in the DWTC and Dubai Expo areas. He added that this initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of fostering business growth while promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Strengthening Dubai’s Sports Economy
Dubai’s sports industry currently contributes around $2.5 billion annually to the economy. The launch of ISEZA is expected to further strengthen this sector, positioning Dubai as a global hub for sports and entertainment business activities. Currently, the UAE is home to over 40 free zones, each focused on different industries, but ISEZA marks a new chapter in specialised industry clustering.
