Overview
We were proud to have been a Gold Sponsor of the Middle East Sports Investment Forum (MESIF) 2025, Europe’s leading conference and exhibition that covered the latest trends in the Middle East’s sports investments. This forum, powered by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, welcomed representatives from around the world, including public and private sector investors, sports brands, broadcasters, infrastructure providers, and key regional sports stakeholders. More than 300 attendees came together to discuss the latest trends in sports finance and investment, stadium design, sports technology, sports tourism, and fan engagement.
Our Session
May 28, 12:20 p.m.—12:35 p.m. BST
The Sports Sector In The Middle East By 2034 — Trends And Opportunities
Guillaume Thibault, a partner at Oliver Wyman’s Government and Public Institutions Practice, and Ivan Shapochkin, a principal at Oliver Wyman, discussed the dynamic evolution of sports as both a global leisure activity and a powerful economic engine, with a particular focus on emerging trends and developments in the Middle East. They shared their strategic insights on the governance, digital integration, and regional development necessary for the future success of the sports industry.
The session covered:
- Digital and experiential transformations in sports, including the digital innovations and immersive experiences that challenge traditional formats and create new consumer choices.
- The potential of the Middle East sports economy, along with the projected economic growth and investment opportunities through 2034.
- Governance and infrastructure development, including how coalition-building among stakeholders and strategic infrastructure development can enable sustainable economic growth and enhance sports integration into urban environments.
Speakers: Guillaume Thibault, partner, Oliver Wyman; Ivan Shapochkin, principal, Oliver Wyman
Meet The Team
