Connect with us

News

Sport Impact Summit: Rewriting the Rules of Sport and Sustainability

Published

on

Exclusive Interview with Michael Gietzen, Co-Founder, Sport Impact Summit (SIS)

Michael Gietzen, Co-Founder, Sport Impact Summit (SIS)

What inspired you to create the Sport Impact Summit, and how has its mission evolved since the first edition?

Sport is a bit of a superpower. It transcends borders, beliefs, and language – it unites in a way few things can. We launched the Summit to channel that force into solving big global issues. What began as a space to share good ideas has evolved into a full-blown catalyst for action – part movement, part think tank, part matchmaking service for people who want to change the world through sport.

The 2024 edition drew major global players. What were your biggest takeaways?

Collaboration is the new competition – SailGP, McLaren, Laureus all showed how working together unlocks scale. Athletes like Lucy Shuker are more than role models – they’re accelerators of impact. And innovation? Just look at REFLO’s circular economy kit. My personal highlight? The Money Ball panel – Dureka Carrasquillo on commercial sustainability was sheer gold.

How did the UAE Ministry of Sports help shape the summit?

Sheikh Suhail’s support was game-changing. He’s a genuine sustainability advocate and helped us turn ambition into action. His backing brought global momentum – and the Sport Impact Declaration was born from that partnership. It’s not just paper. It’s a living pledge – uniting athletes, federations and brands to drive real, measurable change. And yes, we even got our hands dirty planting mangroves with Goumbook. That’s how we do legacy.

What’s on the horizon for SIS 2025?

We’re levelling up – new partnerships in the pipeline (some I can mention, some I really can’t…yet). Think ATP, REFLO, SailGP. Think immersive experiences that make sustainability impossible to ignore. We’re not just talking the talk – we’re building a sport-for-good ecosystem.

How will the Sport World Sustainability Awards shape global dialogue?

Awards make the invisible visible. They turn good practice into gold standard. We’re not just handing out trophies – we’re setting benchmarks and creating a platform where athletes, brands and fans get to rewrite the rules together. The real win? Inspiring the next wave of bold, sustainable ideas – and making them go viral.

Why is the UAE perfectly placed to lead sport and sustainability?

Few places combine ambition, agility and audience like the UAE. It’s a sandbox for big ideas – with mega-events like F1, tennis and golf acting as global loudspeakers. Add visionary leadership and a future-obsessed mindset? You’ve got the perfect storm for sustainable innovation.

How does the UAE’s sporting calendar support SIS?

These events aren’t just spectacles – they’re platforms. They give SIS scale, visibility and momentum. Our partners – DET, DSC, the UAE Ministry of Sport – are aligned on one mission: making sport a force for good. Whether it’s policy change or inspiring public health – the UAE gets that sport is about legacy, not just medals.

How do you balance creativity, sustainability and scale at a global level?

You don’t balance them – you blend them. Sustainability isn’t a constraint; it’s a creative brief. The best ideas come from tough questions like: “How do we eliminate waste and wow people?” And scale? It makes good ideas stick. Get this right and sustainability becomes the showstopper, not the sideshow.

What role do collaborations play in delivering real outcomes?

Collaboration is the cheat code. Governments bring policy. NGOs bring people. Brands bring innovation. When you get them all playing to their strengths – with SIS as the orchestrator – you move from chat to change. That’s the real win: actionable alliances, not just panel sessions and platitudes.

Why should brands and institutions invest in platforms like SIS?

Because it’s where purpose meets performance. It’s not CSR fluff – it’s brand equity, talent attraction, investor interest. Sport Impact turns abstract ambitions into practical results. And it connects you to the people actually shaping the future of sport. In short: if you care about impact, SIS is the fastest route to relevance.

In your view, how can sport be more effectively used as a tool for systemic change, particularly around climate action and wellbeing?

Sport has the rare power to reach hearts and headlines at scale. It connects emotionally, builds community, and holds the attention of billions, that’s a perfect recipe for systemic change.

When athletes speak up on climate, fans listen. When venues go zero-waste, it becomes a visible proof of what’s possible. And when sport prioritises wellbeing, such as the physical, mental, and emotional, it normalises healthier lives.

We’ve seen sparks: carbon-neutral tournaments, mental health initiatives, athlete-led campaigns. Now the challenge is scale. That means innovation, incentives, and storytelling that makes sustainability feel like a core part of the game, not an optional extra. Sport isn’t just a mirror to society. It can be the lever that moves it.

What advice would you give to young professionals or changemakers who want to work at the intersection of sport, sustainability, and innovation?

Learn to speak both languages; the commercial reality of sport and the systems thinking of sustainability. That’s where the real impact happens.

Be a storyteller. Show how sustainability enhances performance, legacy, and fan loyalty. Start small, measure everything, and scale what works. Find your crew, because this space thrives on cross-sector collaboration. Be the bridge between ambition and action.

And remember: this field is wide open. Sport needs fresh thinking. Sustainability needs scale. Innovation needs a stage. You’ve picked the right arena, now go play.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Big Ticket joins DP World ILT20 Season 4 as Official Partner

Published

on

A professional cricket player for the Desert Vipers in mid-swing during a match. The batsman is wearing a dark green and black patterned jersey with red accents, a red helmet, and black protective leg pads. He is holding a wooden cricket bat high in a follow-through motion after playing a shot. The background shows a crowded stadium with purple and blue seating and a "DP World" branded wicket.

Big Ticket, the largest and longest-running guaranteed raffle draw in the Middle East (known for cash prizes, dream luxury cars, gold bars and coins) has joined the DP World International League T20 Season 4 as an Official Partner.

In recent years, Big Ticket has become more than just a raffle, it has gained the reputation of being a brand built around rewarding dreams and celebrating ambition, growing into one of the region’s largest and one of the most anticipated monthly draws in the UAE.

DP World ILT20 – the 34-match cricketing extravaganza – the biggest T20 tournament in the region featuring some of the most renowned global cricket stars is currently being played at the Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

A cricket player from the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders standing at the crease, ready to receive a ball. The player is dressed in a purple and gold uniform with matching gold-colored leg pads and a gold helmet. He holds the bat upward in a standard batting stance. The stadium background features blue seats, a "UAE Cricket" sign, and another player in an orange uniform in the distance.

DP World ILT20 Head of Partnerships Ishan Chopra: “We are delighted to welcome a UAE born raffle giant like Big Ticket as an Official Partner of the DP World ILT20. Their legacy of helping dreams come true aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering unforgettable, fan-first experiences across the league. This partnership strengthens our commitment to creating moments of excitement both on and off the field, and we look forward to elevating Season 4 together. With a household name like Big Ticket on board, we are confident of unlocking even more opportunities for fans to engage, celebrate and go All In for Cricket.”

Meanwhile, DP World ILT20 match tickets across all categories are available for the remaining tournament matches. Various spectator stand tickets start at AED 20 and hospitality packages start from AED 325. Fans can also book the new Sixes Lounge experience for AED 395, which includes unlimited food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased by visiting tickets.ilt20.ae or Virgin Megastores.

Continue Reading

News

The Maritime Standard Awards 2025 winners list showcases high levels of innovation and operational excellence across the maritime sector

Published

on


The maritime sector’s leading awards event, The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025, has announced this year’s winners, honoring outstanding companies and industry leaders from across the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The Awards showcased achievement and innovation in 25 categories covering shipping, logistics, ship repair, offshore services, marine technology and related sectors, as well as a series of special awards for individual achievement. The prestigious event took place at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai on October 29th, attracting over 1000 senior executives, decision-makers and industry leaders, from the region, and across the globe.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event recognised organisations and individuals for setting new standards in operational excellence and leadership in the sector amid significant shifts in the industry, including decarbonisation, digitalization, and a renewed emphasis on supply chain resilience. From clean-fuel projects and AI-powered port operations to international collaborations that boost trade efficiency, the 2025 Awards showcased the industry’s progress in turning goals into tangible outcomes.

The evening was hosted by Yalda Hakim, a renowned international correspondent and documentary filmmaker, whose engaging presence added distinction to the occasion. The keynote address was delivered by Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC Logistics and Services, who shared valuable insights on the evolving maritime landscape and the UAE’s leadership in advancing sustainable and innovative practices across the sector.

Clive Woodbridge, Editor of The Maritime Standard and Chairman of the Judging Panel, stated, “This year’s competition was exceptionally tough, and we received an unprecedented number of entries across all categories. Each finalist demonstrated remarkable achievements and operational standards over the past year, which underlines the significant advances that continue to be made in the regional maritime sector.”

A rigorous assessment process was conducted as part of the award selections, and this was supervised by an independent panel of distinguished judges that included some of the most prominent names in the maritime industry.

Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, commented, “These Awards are not just about celebrating success, but also about encouraging excellence. This year’s event recognised innovative concepts, exciting new initiatives, and outstanding performance standards. As the region continues to expand its maritime infrastructure and digital port systems, with significant developments across the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, events like The Maritime Standard Awards play a key role in reinforcing its position as a global leader in shipping and maritime.”

 Reaction from the individual winners on the night of October 29th was highly appreciative. Captain Mohamed Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Operations (Offshore Logistics), at ADNOC L&S, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award, added: “It was one of the greatest honours of my professional career to receive this Award. It really means a lot to me to have TMS recognise the years of dedication and hard work.”

Tony Dagher, the Founder and Managing Director of TMC Shipping Group was the recipient of the Young Person in Shipping and was similarly honoured. He said: “I have been fortunate to have had great support from many people during my journey in shipping, and to have a fantastic team around me now. This Award is as much for them as it is for me.

Over the past 12 years The Maritime Standard Awards has consolidated its standing as one of the most prominent annual gatherings within the global maritime calendar, gaining worldwide recognition for recognising excellence and promoting a more resilient and sustainable maritime future.

Continue Reading

News

Deep Dive Dubai Launches Sunken City Walk, a Cinematic Underwater Experience that Makes Adventure Just a Step Away

Published

on

Deep Dive Dubai

Deep Dive Dubai has unveiled its newest attraction for experience seekers with the launch of Sunken City Walk. The guided underwater activity invites guests to step into a cinematic cityscape filled with surreal details. From an underwater swing and motorbike to a café table that looks straight out of a movie scene, this is Dubai’s latest must-try attraction.

Deep Dive Dubai

The hour-long journey begins with a full briefing and safety overview, followed by guests changing into wetsuits and equipment provided on-site. They then join trained instructors for a 20-minute guided underwater walk through the Sunken City—an accessible, certification-free experience that requires no swimming skills, making it ideal for guests aged 10 and above. Currently offered at an introductory price of AED 600, with an optional 30-second keepsake video for AED 200, the experience is currently available in four daily slots at 11 AM, 12 PM, 2pm, and 3pm.

Jarrod Jablonski, Director, Deep Dive Dubai, said that “With Sunken City Walk, we’re continuing to shape Dubai’s reputation as a city of unforgettable experiences. It’s a unique attraction that reflects Dubai’s spirit, where visitors can discover adventure in ways they never thought possible.”

The launch reflects a global trend that travellers are choosing experiences over possessions. Supporting this, Shamal’s Experience Economy Report stated that 75% of UAE residents are more willing to spend on experiences, with 80% allocating a dedicated monthly budget. The launch also aligns with Dubai’s commitment to strengthening its global tourism appeal. According to Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city welcomed 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, a six percent increase year-on-year, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading lifestyle and tourism hubs. Sunken City Walk at Deep Dive Dubai adds a new way for visitors to experience the city’s spirit of reinvention, where adventure is always just a step away.

While Sunken City Walk offers a first taste of underwater adventure, guests can plunge into the incredible world of diving at Deep Dive Dubai, choosing from experiences such as scuba diving, freediving, and specialised diving courses.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator