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

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.

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.
News
Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

Staying hydrated just got easier, and greener, thanks to Ourwatr, that’s launching a nationwide free mineral water programme starting June 2025. It’s a first in the region: clean, refreshing mineral water made freely available across the country, delivered through a unique model that blends sustainability, community care, and social impact.
From metro stations and shopping malls to parks and government offices, thousands of chilled bottles of mineral water, sourced locally from Dibba, Fujairah, will soon be within everyone’s reach, every day. Ourwatr’s mission is simple: hydration is a right, not a privilege.
“At Ourwatr, we believe that drinking water should be accessible to all,” says Abhinav Murali, Co-founder.
“That’s why we’re giving away premium mineral water for free, and every bottle supports communities in need. It’s hydration with heart, proudly made right here in the UAE.”
Stamp of UAE quality
All Ourwatr bottles carry the prestigious EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification, guaranteeing they meet strict UAE national and international quality standards. When you grab a bottle, you’re assured of top-quality water, safe, pure, refreshing and approved by the country’s standardisation authority.
Mission in a bottle
With temperatures rising across the UAE, especially during summer, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever, for workers, families, children, and the elderly alike.

“In our desert climate, hydration isn’t just healthy; it’s life-saving,” adds co-founder Bharath Mohan.
“Each bottle we provide is a small act of kindness toward our community.”
Ourwatr is more than just a startup, it’s a mission in a bottle. Launched by three young, UAE-based entrepreneurs, the idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: access to free, convenient hydration isn’t always a given.
Wanting to change that, the trio built a business with heart at its core. The team is also in talks with various UAE charitable organisations and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. For every bottle distributed, a portion will be donated to local charities, turning everyday hydration into a meaningful act of giving.
A Model Built on Purpose and Sustainability
Ourwatr isn’t just about water, it’s about doing good. Instead of selling to consumers, the company partners with brands and organisations who cover the production and distribution costs. In return, sponsors co-brand the bottles, using them as a platform to share positive messages and shared values, while making a real difference.
“Sustainability isn’t just about less waste, it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change,” explains Sharat Nair, Co-founder.
The bottles are crafted from recyclable materials, aligning with the UAE’s zero-waste goals and green agenda.
Backing UAE Vision 2030
Ourwatr’s initiative supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 goals around health, sustainability, and quality of life. The startup is already collaborating with local authorities to expand water access and reach as many people as possible.
More than just water, Ourwatr is delivering hope, equality, and care, one bottle at a time.
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.”
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