The Inaugral Edition of Sport Industry Series: The Majlis Draws Top Industry Leaders to the Capital

Over 80 influential decision-makers in sport attended the exclusive, invite-only event in Abu Dhabi.

More than 80 senior professionals from the sports industry gathered in Abu Dhabi for the highly anticipated debut of Sport Industry Series: The Majlis, an exclusive event designed to foster candid discussions and high-level networking. Launched by the founders of the Sport Industry Series, Interact and Sport360X, The Majlis sets a new benchmark for industry engagement in the region.

Hosted against the stunning backdrop of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open on February 6, the invite-only gathering brought together C-suite executives from leading sports organisations for a day of thought-provoking discussions and interactive dialogue. The event, hosted by renowned sports broadcaster Chris McHardy, delivered on the Sport Industry Series (SIS) promise – creating an intimate platform for decision-makers to exchange insights and drive industry innovation.

The event kicked off with a highly insightful panel discussion featuring three distinguished industry leaders in the form of Brian Lott, Chief Communications Officer, Mubadala; Hamda Al Mansoori, Strategic Planning Director, Abu Dhabi Sports Council; and Danny Klima, General Manager, Zayed Sports City, OVG Middle East.

Together, they explored the evolving landscape of Abu Dhabi’s sports industry, including investment trends and future growth opportunities.

It was followed by an in-depth feature interview with Melissa Moncada—Founder and CEO, Aurora Rise Group; Executive Vice Chairwoman, Colnago. She shared insights about the challenges and triumphs of women in cycling, emphasising the strides made in recent years.

“It is amazing to see so many fans come here to support women’s tennis,” she stated.

“It is also incredible to see big companies like Mubadala extending their support to grow the game among women.

“This gives us optimism too, and I urge the fans to come out and show similar support towards women’s cycling.”

Beyond the panel and interviews, attendees engaged in a networking lunch, providing a rare opportunity to engage directly with other industry leaders.

“It has thrown more light upon how Abu Dhabi is becoming the hub of sports and entertainment, along with the massive investment coming into the sports industry in the region as a whole.”

The launch of The Majlis marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for the sports industry in the Middle East.

By combining Interact’s expertise in delivering the Sport Industry Forum with Sport360X’s legacy of the Sports Industry Awards, we’re creating something truly unique,” said Mark Guildea, Managing Director of Interact.

“The Majlis represents a new era of high-level, interactive engagement in the Middle East’s dynamic sports industry,” said Bassam Nawfal, Sport360X Managing Director. “By creating a more intimate setting, we’re enabling C-suite executives to dive deeper into the key issues shaping the industry.

“This is not just about sharing knowledge—it’s about fostering collaboration, sparking innovation, and building relationships that will drive the future. The inaugural edition in Abu Dhabi provides a unique opportunity to develop how we meaningfully connect and learn from one another.”

With more editions of The Majlis on the horizon, the Sport Industry Series is set to redefine how sports leaders connect, collaborate, and drive the industry forward.

About Sport Industry Forum (SIF):

The Sport Industry Forum, organised by Interact, is the leading sport business conference for networking, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership. It brings together professionals, innovators, and decision-makers to discuss the latest trends and challenges in sports across the Middle East.

About Sports Industry Awards (SPIA):

The Sports Industry Awards, established by Sport360X, celebrate excellence in the sports sector, recognising outstanding achievements by individuals, teams, and organisations. SPIA highlights the best practices and innovations that drive the sports industry forward. Submissions are now open for the 12th edition.

Media contacts:

India Beckwith, Interact – E: [email protected]

Marketing Team, Sport360X – E: [email protected]

Sport Industry Series: The Majlis offers executives unique insights and exclusive connections

The brand behind the prestigious Sport Industry Forum and Sports Industry Awards is proud to introduce Sport Industry Series: The Majlis, an exclusive, invite-only event designed for high-level sports business professionals.

Hosted by renowned broadcaster Chris McHardy, The Majlis – part of the groundbreaking SIS partnership launched by Interact and Sport360X last October – provides an intimate setting for senior decision-makers to engage in candid, high-level discussions. Unlike larger conferences, the event focuses on interactive dialogue, allowing attendees to converse directly with industry leaders and gain unique insights.

Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will provide an inspirational backdrop for February 6’s impactful inaugural edition. Invitations are limited to C-suite executives.

“It’s exciting to launch the first-ever Sport Industry Series: The Majlis at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and we are very grateful to Mubadala for the opportunity,” said Sally Corander, Founder and Director of Interact.

“The event is a mini version of our annual Forum and brings together Government, brands, and rights holders for top-level discussion, high-value networking and a shared experience of world-class tennis.

“Discussions at The Majlis will look at the impact of the UAE’s major sporting events – both in elevating the nation’s global profile and driving meaningful community engagement. With 2025 declared the UAE’s ‘Year of Community,’ the speakers will discuss what this means for sport and how the sector can leverage major events to foster greater participation and social impact.

“I am looking forward to listening to our panelists, including Brian Lott, Chief Communications Officer for Mubadala; Hamda Al Mansoori, Strategic Planning Director, Abu Dhabi Sports Council; and Danny Klima, General Manager, Zayed Sports City, Ethara, for what promises to be an inspiring afternoon.”

There will also be a featured interview with Melissa Moncada – Founder and CEO, Aurora Rise Group; Executive Chairwoman, Colnago.

Fostering collaboration and thought leadership, The Majlis creates an environment where relationships thrive and new ideas emerge. Industry leaders can engage in real-time problem-solving and continue staying ahead in the evolving sports business.

“The Majlis represents a new era of high-level, interactive engagement in the Middle East’s dynamic sports industry,” said Bassam Nawfal, Sport360X Managing Director. “By creating a more intimate setting, we’re enabling C-suite executives to dive deeper into the key issues shaping the industry.

“This is not just about sharing knowledge—it’s about fostering collaboration, sparking innovation and building relationships that will drive the future. The inaugural edition in Abu Dhabi provides a unique opportunity to develop how we meaningfully connect and learn from one another.”

With The Majlis, Sport Industry Series is setting a new standard for networking and discussion, offering an unparalleled opportunity for executives to shape the sport industry’s future.

About Sport Industry Forum (SIF):

The Sport Industry Forum, established by Interact, is the leading sport business conference for networking, knowledge sharing and thought leadership. It brings together professionals, innovators and decision-makers to discuss the latest trends and challenges in sports.

About Sports Industry Awards (SPIA):

The Sports Industry Awards, established by Sport360X, celebrate excellence in the sports sector, recognising outstanding achievements by individuals, teams and organisations. SPIA highlights the best practices and innovations that drive the sports industry forward. Submissions are now open for the 12th edition.

Media contacts:

India Beckwith, Interact – E: [email protected]
Marketing Team, Sport360X – E: [email protected]