emirates7 - Dubai announced the launch of a new free zone cluster dedicated to sports and entertainment, called the International Sports and Entertainment Zone (ISEZA). Set to operate within the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone, ISEZA will offer licensing for various sports and entertainment business activities. This makes ISEZA the first specialized free zone of its kind in both the UAE and globally.
The zone will provide a platform for businesses in established sectors such as sports management, event coordination, talent representation, and media broadcasting, while also promoting emerging industries like e-sports, AI-driven sports technology, and fan tokens.
ISEZA is expected to attract a wide range of industry players, including global brands, sports leagues and franchises, rights owners, investors, talent agencies, artists, sports and media personalities, social media influencers, and professionals from the creative industries.
The zone aims to draw international and regional sports organizations, including federations, associations, and leagues in both established and emerging sports sectors.
Additionally, ISEZA will provide tailored corporate and legal support to its members in collaboration with key UAE authorities, including the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, and the UAE National Olympic Committee.
Khaled AlFahim, Vice President of Asset and Investment Management at DWTC, stated that the launch of ISEZA will a dynamic ecosystem for sports and entertainment businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs, offering access to prime locations and networking opportunities through various events and exhibitions.
Damir Valeev, CEO of ISEZA, emphasized the social impact of the initiative, noting its potential to host sports exhibitions, museums, academic programs, and community projects within the DWTC and Dubai Expo areas. He added that the project aligns with the UAE’s vision for business development with a higher social impact, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle in the country.
Dubai’s sports sector currently contributes around $2.5 billion annually to the economy. The UAE has over 40 free zones across various industries.
The zone will provide a platform for businesses in established sectors such as sports management, event coordination, talent representation, and media broadcasting, while also promoting emerging industries like e-sports, AI-driven sports technology, and fan tokens.
ISEZA is expected to attract a wide range of industry players, including global brands, sports leagues and franchises, rights owners, investors, talent agencies, artists, sports and media personalities, social media influencers, and professionals from the creative industries.
The zone aims to draw international and regional sports organizations, including federations, associations, and leagues in both established and emerging sports sectors.
Additionally, ISEZA will provide tailored corporate and legal support to its members in collaboration with key UAE authorities, including the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, and the UAE National Olympic Committee.
Khaled AlFahim, Vice President of Asset and Investment Management at DWTC, stated that the launch of ISEZA will a dynamic ecosystem for sports and entertainment businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs, offering access to prime locations and networking opportunities through various events and exhibitions.
Damir Valeev, CEO of ISEZA, emphasized the social impact of the initiative, noting its potential to host sports exhibitions, museums, academic programs, and community projects within the DWTC and Dubai Expo areas. He added that the project aligns with the UAE’s vision for business development with a higher social impact, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle in the country.
Dubai’s sports sector currently contributes around $2.5 billion annually to the economy. The UAE has over 40 free zones across various industries.