In the UAE, whereas main worldwide tournaments stay the highest draw (43%), there’s a stronger-than-average choice for particular occasions or low season matches (23% vs. 19% globally) — highlighting the market’s urge for food for various and premium sporting experiences.
Atmosphere and exploration drive UAE Fans
Across the 17 markets, the main motivator for sports journey is the environment and pleasure of a dwell occasion (45%), adopted by supporting a workforce (40%) and love of the game (37%).
While 28% of worldwide customers see sports-event journey as a chance to go to a brand new vacation spot, this motivation is notably stronger among UAE residents (34%), reinforcing sport’s function as each an leisure and way of life driver available in the market.
Globally, price stays the largest barrier to sports journey, with many customers additionally citing security and safety issues as a deterrent (41%).
Major occasions drive fan development in rising markets
The report highlights the highly effective affect of internet hosting main sporting occasions in development markets. 1 / 4 of customers globally say they grew to become a fan of a brand new sport after attending a dwell occasion of their residence metropolis — rising to 35% of Gen Z and 34% of Millennials.