Sports and betting

The UAE is actively investing in sports as part of a tourism and image strategy: football (pro-league, academies), motorsport (Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi), golf (tour stages and prestigious open tournaments), tennis, boxing and MMA, as well as traditional disciplines - camel racing, falconry, equestrian sports (including major cups in Dubai).

The calendar is complemented by esports events and mass races/bike marathons.

Gambling rates are prohibited in the country: there are no licensed bookmakers and PPPs, advertising betting is unacceptable, access to offshore sites is blocked and carries legal and financial risks.

Clubs and leagues are safer to rely on partnerships with airlines, tourism, technology and consumer brands, to develop mass sports programs, fan events and gamification without money excitement.