Dubai is accelerating its ambitions to become one of the world’s top sporting destinations, unveiling a long-term strategy designed to significantly boost economic impact, increase community participation and attract more global sporting events over the next decade.

Under the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, the emirate aims to grow the sports industry’s contribution to the economy from Dh10.17 billion to Dh18.3 billion by 2033, reinforcing sport as a key pillar of Dubai’s economic and social development agenda.

The strategy also sets ambitious participation targets, with the number of people actively engaged in sports expected to rise from 1.6 million to 2.6 million. Annual attendance at major sporting events is projected to surge from 1.67 million to more than 4.1 million spectators during the same period.

The announcement was made during a strategic industry gathering organised by the Dubai Sports Council, which brought together sports event organisers, facility operators and industry leaders to discuss future opportunities and challenges shaping the emirate’s sporting landscape.

Hosted in collaboration with JA Sports & Shooting Club at JA The Resort, the meeting also included an exclusive preview of the region’s newest integrated multi-sport destination ahead of its public launch.

Dubai already hosts more than 500 sporting events annually, including over 100 international championships, highlighting its growing reputation as a preferred destination for elite competitions and global sporting experiences.

Officials outlined how the Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 will build on this momentum through continued investment in world-class infrastructure, stronger partnerships with the private sector and initiatives designed to encourage wider community engagement in sport.

Speaking during the session, Essa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council, noted that sporting events have evolved beyond competition to become powerful drivers of economic growth, quality of life and international visibility for the emirate.

The strategy also places a strong focus on nurturing future talent across sports such as football, golf, padel and badminton, while creating pathways for young athletes to progress professionally and compete at higher levels.

As Dubai continues to invest in sporting infrastructure and international events, the Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033 is expected to play a central role in shaping the emirate’s ambition to become the world’s leading sporting city by the end of the decade.

Thousands of tenants across Abu Dhabi are set to benefit from a major housing relief measure after the emirate announced a temporary freeze on rental increases for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, means landlords will no longer be able to increase rents when renewing existing tenancy contracts. The measure will remain in place until further notice, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).

Under the new directive, all tenancy contract renewals will be processed with a zero per cent rent increase. In addition, any new lease signed for a previously rented property must be offered at the same rental value as the most recent tenancy contract, preventing landlords from raising prices between tenants.

The move marks a significant shift from existing regulations, which previously allowed annual rent increases of up to five per cent under specific conditions. The temporary freeze is expected to provide immediate relief for residents and businesses facing rising living and operating costs.

What it means for tenants

For tenants approaching lease renewal, the change offers greater financial certainty. Regardless of whether the property is residential, commercial or industrial, the rental value recorded in the previous contract will serve as the reference rate during the freeze period.

The decision is particularly notable given the strong growth seen in Abu Dhabi’s property market over recent years. Rental prices in several areas have recorded significant increases as demand for housing continued to rise alongside population growth and economic expansion.

Focus on market stability

The rent freeze comes as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen transparency and regulation within its real estate sector. In recent years, the emirate introduced its official rental index and expanded digital property services through platforms such as Tawtheeq, helping both landlords and tenants access clearer market information.

Industry observers view the latest measure as part of broader efforts to support market stability while protecting residents during a period of regional uncertainty.

While authorities have not specified an end date for the temporary measure, ADREC confirmed that the freeze will remain in effect until further notice.

For many tenants across the capital, the announcement delivers a welcome pause in rental costs and greater predictability when planning household and business budgets in the months ahead.

The UAE announced revised fuel prices for June 2026, with motorists set to pay significantly more for petrol while diesel costs decline compared to the previous month.

The latest adjustment is particularly notable as it marks the country’s first monthly fuel pricing update since formally leaving both OPEC and OPEC+ earlier this year.

Beginning June 1, Super 98 petrol will be priced at Dh3.95 per litre, up from Dh3.66 in May. Special 95 will rise to Dh3.83 per litre from Dh3.55, while E-Plus 91 will increase from Dh3.48 to Dh3.76 per litre.

In contrast, diesel users will benefit from a reduction, with prices falling from Dh4.69 per litre in May to Dh4.33 in June.

The latest increase extends a three-month upward trend in petrol prices, reflecting ongoing volatility in global energy markets and fluctuations in crude oil prices.

Impact on residents

For households across the UAE, fuel price movements remain a key economic indicator, influencing transportation costs, daily commuting expenses and overall household budgets. Rising petrol prices can have a noticeable impact on monthly spending, particularly for residents who rely heavily on private vehicles.

The June pricing announcement comes just weeks after the UAE officially ended its six-decade membership in OPEC and OPEC+, a move that took effect on May 1, 2026.

The revised prices will come into effect from June1, 2026.