The biggest names in the Middle East sporting community will gather for the Sports Industry Awards as the event returns for its eighth edition. SPIA recognizes the achievements of individuals, organizations, facilities and campaigns that contributed to the development of sport in the region.

The 2021 edition of SPIA will have 21 award categories, which each recognize the achievements of the sporting industry in the Middle East and serve to reward those who excelled across a range of diverse sporting segments.

For the first time in its history, the event, organized by Sport360X, includes a number of esports categories — Best Esports Campaign of the Year and Esports Tournament of the Year — that highlight and celebrate the rise of the gaming industry, which saw a number of athletes and sports brands compete like never before.

Despite a challenging 12 months, which saw the 2020 SPIA ceremony canceled due to the global pandemic, the vision and core strategies provided by the sports industry ensured the region stayed ahead of the game, while constantly setting new standards that became the envy of the international sporting arena. For the 2021 event, registrations have been accepted for 2019 and 2020 submissions.

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Winners in all categories are decided by an independent panel of judges made up of industry experts chosen for their skills and experience within the Middle East sports industry. The ceremony itself will be held in Dubai on May 26 at W Hotel, Palm Jumeirah.

Bassam Nawfal, managing director, Sport360, said, “We’re delighted that SPIA will be returning after last year’s unfortunate cancellation. The event is the biggest sports industry gathering in the region and celebrates sporting excellence in the Middle East and attracts a huge number of submissions from a number of different sporting sectors.

“SPIA is returning to Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah where it will be hosted in the stunning ballroom of the W Hotel. The venue not only provides a sensational backdrop for our guests but it also offers the ideal place for an intimate gathering, adhering to the new social distancing rules. SPIA is the only event of its kind in the region, so it’s really important that we’re able to put it on again this year to support the sports industry who have found innovative and creative ways in which to cope during these unprecedented times.”

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Previous events have seen more than 400 attendees hoping to get their hands on a SPIA award, including those at the 2019 ceremony held at the packed Coca-Cola arena in Dubai’s Downtown area. Due to the pandemic, this year’s event will run at a reduced capacity and adhere to strict health and safety measures, as well as social distancing.

SPIA 2021 is supported by YouGov Sport, a global sports, sponsorship and entertainment research company, working with sports key stakeholders to unlock meaningful, actionable insights.

The event attracts some of the region’s most influential CEOs and decision makers, which is why SPIA is delighted to partner with Global Traveler as its official media partner.

For those wishing to attend the ceremony and gala dinner, there are a number of packages available. Prices for individual seats start at $330; tables are available from $3,000; and VIP tables are priced at $5,500.

For more information, please visit spiame.com.