The Middle East’s top figures in sport will come together for the eighth edition of the Sports Industry Awards (SPIA), celebrating the individuals, organizations, venues and campaigns that have advanced sport across the region.
The 2021 SPIA features 21 award categories that recognize excellence across diverse areas of the sports industry in the Middle East. This edition also introduces esports categories — Best Esports Campaign of the Year and Esports Tournament of the Year — reflecting the rapid growth of competitive gaming and its increasing overlap with traditional sports brands and athletes.
After the 2020 ceremony was canceled due to the global pandemic, the 2021 event returns with submissions accepted for both 2019 and 2020. Despite the challenges of the past year, industry leaders continued to innovate, helping the region maintain its leading position and set new standards that have garnered international attention.
© SPIA
An independent panel of industry experts will judge winners in all categories, bringing deep regional knowledge and experience to the selection process. The awards ceremony will take place in Dubai on May 26 at the W Hotel, Palm Jumeirah.
Bassam Nawfal, managing director of Sport360, said the return of SPIA is an important moment for the region’s sports community. He highlighted the event’s role as the largest sports industry gathering in the Middle East and praised the many creative and resilient approaches organizations adopted during the pandemic.
“SPIA will return to Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah and be hosted in the W Hotel’s ballroom,” Nawfal said. “The venue provides an attractive setting and allows for an intimate gathering that adheres to current social distancing measures. As the only event of its kind in the region, it’s vital we hold SPIA to support the sports industry as it navigates these unprecedented times.”
© SPIA
Past ceremonies have drawn large crowds — more than 400 attendees at the 2019 event held at the Coca-Cola Arena — but the 2021 edition will operate at reduced capacity, following strict health and safety protocols and social distancing requirements.
SPIA 2021 is supported by YouGov Sport, a global research company focused on sports, sponsorship and entertainment, which helps stakeholders generate meaningful, actionable insights. The event also attracts many of the region’s most influential CEOs and decision-makers, and Global Traveler serves as the official media partner.
Tickets and hospitality packages are available for the ceremony and gala dinner. Individual seats start at $330, tables are available from $3,000, and VIP tables are priced at $5,500. For details and booking information, visit spiame.com.
