Dubai launches UAE’s first sports & entertainment free zone

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced the launch of the International Sports & Entertainment Free Zone, the first business cluster in the UAE dedicated to the sports and entertainment industries.

The new zone will serve as a specialized business hub, offering streamlined licensing for a wide range of sports and entertainment activities. It aims to create a collaborative ecosystem that supports industry growth and innovation.

In a statement, DWTC said the free zone will provide a unified platform for licensing businesses across established sectors such as sports management, event organization, talent representation, and media broadcasting. It will also foster growth in emerging fields like e-sports, AI-driven sports technology, and fan tokens.

The International Sports and Entertainment Free Zone Cluster (ISEZA) 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 free zone is expected to attract a diverse group of industry players, including global brands, sports leagues, franchises, rights owners, investors, and talent agencies, WAM reported.

It will also cater to artists, athletes, media personalities, social media influencers, and professionals from the creative industries.

Officials say the initiative will strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for sports and entertainment while driving economic growth in the sector.