Dubai’s sporting landscape is set for a significant uplift following the approval of the fifth edition of the Dubai Sports Council’s (DSC) Sports Events Ranking System (SERS) by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This innovative system aims to elevate the quality and organization of sports events across the emirate, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global sports hub.
Key Takeaways
- The SERS is a pioneering, world-first initiative designed to honor organizational excellence and motivate event organizers.
- It reflects Dubai’s commitment to innovation and its vision to enhance the UAE’s status in the global sports arena.
- The system categorizes events based on their quality, with top-tier events receiving a 5-star rating.
Dubai’s Elite Sporting Events Recognized
Several of Dubai’s most prestigious sporting events have maintained their top-tier status under the new ranking system. The Dubai World Cup, Gov Games, and the DP World Tour Championship all retained their coveted 5-star ratings. They are now joined by the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, which also achieved a 5-star rating.
Diverse Range of Ranked Events
The 2018-19 edition of SERS evaluated a total of 405 events, showcasing the breadth and depth of Dubai’s sports calendar. These events were categorized as follows:
- International Events: 85
- National Events: 137
- Community Events: 161
- Sports Conferences: 11
- Sports Exhibitions: 6
- Sports Awards: 5
Out of these, four events achieved a 5-star rating, 194 events were awarded 4-stars, and 17 events received 3-stars.
Driving Excellence and Innovation
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the integral role of the sports sector in Dubai’s society and economy, highlighting the continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation. He stated that SERS is a direct reflection of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to launch initiatives that elevate the UAE’s standing and position Dubai at the forefront of innovation across all sectors.
Mattar Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the DSC, expressed gratitude for Sheikh Hamdan’s unwavering support, which has inspired the development of this unique ranking system. Al Tayer noted that the SERS is a purely Emirati initiative that has garnered international acclaim, successfully motivating sports event organizers in Dubai to strive for higher standards.