News
Sport Impact Summit: Rewriting the Rules of Sport and Sustainability

Exclusive Interview with 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.
Home Integrator
Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

Ardee Developments has announced the launch of sales for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island, its highly anticipated branded residential offering in partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Official sales will commence on 1 June 2025 with expression of interest starting 15 May 2025, marking a major milestone in the evolution of Ardee Al Marjan Island, the company’s flagship, multi-billion-dirham development set to redefine coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah.
Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island will comprise 523 upscale residences — including apartments, townhouses, and sea villas — ranging from one to six bedrooms and spanning 86 m² to over 300 m². Every home is thoughtfully designed to embody refined beachfront living, with uninterrupted sea views and elegant interiors that reflect timeless sophistication.
Bringing together the prestige of the Fairmont brand with the ease of resort-style living, residents will enjoy exclusive access to a private beach, the Fairmont Fit Fitness Centre and Studio, family & kids pool, adults sky pool & terrace & bar, dedicated boardroom and private dining room, resident’s owners lounge as well as wellness facilities including treatment rooms, screening room, games room, kids club and seamless connectivity to the adjacent Fairmont resort.
Further enriching the offering is a tailored suite of à la carte services. From in-home catering and private chef experiences to childcare, dog walking, housekeeping, personal concierge support, and a home maintenance program while residents are away, every element is designed to simplify and enhance everyday living. In addition, residents will enjoy exclusive access to the Accor Owner Benefits Program. This includes Diamond status in the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) programme, the ability to gift Gold status to family and friends, and VIP privileges at over 5,700 hotels and resorts around the world.
With prices starting from AED 2.49 Million, Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island offers an exclusive opportunity for discerning buyers seeking long-term value, effortless luxury, and a lifestyle defined by exceptional quality in one of the region’s most iconic coastal destinations.
Beyond the residences, guests were given an exclusive look at the next phase of the Ardee Al Marjan Island masterplan. The development is progressing into a fully integrated coastal destination that blends residences, hospitality, leisure, retail, and entertainment on an unprecedented scale.
Key components of the masterplan include branded and serviced residences, private villas, townhouses, a flagship luxury hotel, and a vibrant retail and F&B promenade. The destination will also feature a variety of curated lifestyle offerings — from wellness hubs and gaming lounges to family entertainment zones and waterfront experiences — all designed to create a future-ready, immersive community.
Prioritizing walkability, nature access, and sea connectivity, the project will boast expansive green spaces, direct beach access, and panoramic views, setting a new standard for contemporary island living in Ras Al Khaimah.
Vishal Mehta, CEO of Ardee Developments, added: “As we prepare to open sales of Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island this June, we are proud to invite buyers into a community that reflects excellence at every level. In partnership with Al Marjan Island, Fairmont Hotels, and Christie’s International Real Estate, we are shaping a new era of luxury coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah — one defined by world-class design, hospitality, and lifestyle, brought together in a truly integrated destination.”
To support global sales efforts, Ardee Developments has appointed Christie’s International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah as the exclusive master agency. Christie’s will lead GCC and international outreach and client servicing, ensuring a seamless buyer journey.
“This is a vibrant and integrated coastal lifestyle community that combines natural beauty, unparalleled hospitality and leisure not seen in the area before,” said Jackie Johns and Dinesh Chhatwani, Managing Partners at Christie’s International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah. “Ras Al Khaimah’s momentum as a global hospitality and investment hub, and its rapidly growing real estate market, makes it the ideal launchpad for Ardee Developments to execute its grand vision.”
Home Integrator
MERED Unveils Strategic Vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025

MERED outlined its long-term investment plans and strategic vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025 in Riyadh. The event, a key platform aligned with Vision 2030, brought together government bodies, giga project leaders, and private sector executives to discuss development, contracting, and talent-building opportunities within the Kingdom’s fast-growing construction and real estate sectors. As part of MERED’s participation, CEO Michael Belton joined a fireside chat where he shared insights into the company’s market entry approach and growth plans for the Saudi market.
“The Kingdom’s rapid urban and infrastructure growth is reshaping residential demand and creating new opportunities for long-term development,” said Michael Belton, CEO of MERED. “Vision 2030 and ongoing economic diversification are driving strong demand across residential, retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors, supported by investor-friendly reforms. In major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, we’re seeing increased interest in premium and luxury living, as well as growing demand for Class A office spaces that reflect the ambitions of a modern business environment. MERED is well-positioned to meet these changing market needs through high-quality, innovative developments that offer lasting value.”
Yazan Al-Khalidi, Chief Commercial Director at MERED, joined a panel alongside leading developers, consultants, and contractors to discuss workforce capabilities and the skills required to deliver Saudi Arabia’s giga projects efficiently and at scale. The Kingdom’s real estate sector is projected to contribute 10% to GDP by 2030, while non-oil economic activity now accounts for over 50% of national GDP. Knight Frank’s Saudi Report 2025 reveals that 93% of high-income Saudi nationals are actively seeking to buy property, reinforcing the country’s ambition to build a competitive luxury real estate market.
Alongside its growth plans in Saudi Arabia, MERED is supporting the development of future architectural talent in line with the region’s broader goal of equipping young people with in-demand skills. As part of this effort, the company is sponsoring a select group of students to attend the Pininfarina Architecture Summer School in Turin this July, through its partnership with the prestigious Pininfarina Academy, founded by the renowned Italian design house. The program offers hands-on training and exposure to international design practices, giving participants valuable experience they can apply to architectural projects across the region.
MERED’s participation underscores its broader commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s real estate ambitions through innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer. With a pipeline of projects already launched in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including the 290-meter ICONIC Residences designed by Pininfarina, the brand is well-positioned to introduce high-end, future-ready developments to the Saudi market.
Financial
HODL 2025 Opens in Dubai, Advancing the Emirates’ Position as a Global Financial Innovation Hub

HODL 2025, organised by Trescon officially opened recently at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi).
The prestigious two-day event follows the Dubai FinTech Summit that commenced on 12th May. During the Summit’s opening ceremony, His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), announced the launch of the inaugural Dubai Future Finance Week, scheduled for 2026. This flagship initiative will bring together major financial events—including Dubai FinTech Summit, Future Sustainability Forum, Private Capital Forum, Seamless Middle East, HODL Summit, and Dubai Future District Fund AGM—under a unified theme: “Pioneering tomorrow’s financial landscape: Innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.”
“Being part of the upcoming Dubai Future Finance Week reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the Web3 space,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman, Trescon. “We are proud to contribute to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global financial powerhouse.”
Crypto Rulebook: Toward Global Standards
A day 1 highlight was the expert panel “Crypto rulebook: Global best practices and regulatory measures”, moderated by Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General, Dubai Digital Asset Association. Speakers included:
- Dyma Budorin, CEO, Hacken
- Samir Safar-Aly, MENA FinTech Association
- Erwin Voloder, European Blockchain Association
- Belal Jassoma, DMCC
“We want to have the best ecosystem for entrepreneurs to run their business.” — Dyma Budorin
“Regulations need to catch up and work together.” — Samir Safar-Aly
The discussion emphasized the need for global regulatory coherence and innovation-friendly compliance frameworks.
Insuring Web3: A $6 Trillion Opportunity
Another standout session, “Insuring the Future of Crypto: Bridging Risk & Innovation in the Digital Asset Economy”, spotlighted the crucial role of insurance in de-risking digital finance.
“Insurance has been a bedrock component of sustainability; it is a $6 trillion market.” — Joseph Ziolkowski
The panel explored how risk-aligned insurance solutions are key to unlocking institutional trust and long-term ecosystem resilience.
During his session, Cristian Ulloa, Co-Founder & CEO of Liquid Loans, Platinum sponsor of HODL 2025, shared valuable strategies for building wealth in crypto while steering clear of common pitfalls that lead to crypto regret.
Global Leaders on the HODL Stage
Day 1 also featured other prominent speakers sharing insights across DeFi, tokenisation, compliance, and blockchain banking including:
- Corbin Fraser, CEO, Bitcoin.com
- Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU, Binance
- Gracy Chen, CEO, Bitget
- Rifad Mahasneh, CEO MENA, OKX
- Robert Crossley, Global Head, Franklin Templeton
- Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO, Relm Insurance
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