In a spectacular sweep that dazzled the region’s sporting world, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) stormed the Middle East Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) with a jaw-dropping ten awards, including five gleaming golds, cementing its legacy as a powerhouse in global sports development and event hosting. Held at Space 42 Arena on Al Raha Beach, the prestigious gala saw ADSC snag top honours for its unmatched contributions to sports strategy, youth development, wellness, and mega events.
Leading the charge was a gold award for Strategic Leadership in Middle East Sport, awarded to none other than Aref Al Awani, ADSC’s General Secretary, in recognition of his game-changing role in shaping Abu Dhabi’s sports ecosystem. Not far behind in the glory race was the 2024 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which swung its way to gold in the Major Sports Event of the Year category, thanks to its sensational execution as part of the DP World Tour Championship Finals.
Youth and wellness were not left on the sidelines. Active Hub, ADSC’s dynamic youth engagement initiative, scored gold for Youth Sports Programme of the Year, while the Abu Dhabi Government Games, promoting fitness in the workplace, took gold for Best Corporate Wellness Through Sport. And in a finale worthy of a finish-line photo, the epic ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, with over 33,000 runners, grabbed gold for Mass Participation Event of the Year.
But the winning didn’t stop there. ADSC also picked up three silver medals for sustainability, partnership activation, and community outreach, plus two bronze for women’s sports and fan engagement.
This gold-plated triumph isn’t just about trophies—it’s a testament to Abu Dhabi’s unshakable commitment to building a healthier, more connected, and more vibrant sporting community. From grassroots to global, ADSC is proving that when it comes to sports excellence, the capital is not just playing the game—it’s rewriting the rules.
