News & Insights
The Gulf is on the move - faster, bolder, and more ambitious than ever before.
At Future Talent Arabia, we chart the pulse of that progress: the industries rising, the leaders redefining success, and the talent powering transformation across the GCC.
Here you’ll find sharp insights and fearless commentary on recruitment, executive search, and the business of growth. From sustainability to sport, finance to future tech, this is where we explore how the region’s most dynamic organisations are shaping tomorrow — and the people who make it happen.
Sports & Recruitment in the Gulf - Q4 2025 Briefing for Visionaries
In the shimmering deserts and urbane skylines of the Gulf, the sports industry is no longer a mere spectacle, it is a burgeoning frontier for business, talent and transformation. As we step into Q4 2025, the twin engines of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are driving this movement with gusto.
Market Momentum: UAE first, Saudi following, Gulf wide
According to the latest industry outlook, the Middle East sports market is already valued in the region of US$600 billion, with a projected growth rate of about 8.7 % through to 2026. PwC+2PwC+2 In practical terms, the UAE has positioned itself as one of the top destinations for sports tourism and major sporting events and Saudi Arabia is playing catch-up at speed. For example:
The UAE is among the leading hosts as the Gulf builds its sports tourism ecosystem; year-round events and experience-driven formats are now part of the offering.
Saudi Arabia’s sports market is expected to leap from approximately US$8 billion to US$22.4 billion by 2030, underpinning a clear strategic commitment.
We see demand for senior leadership, specialist talent and executive recruitment in sports, athletics, sports-marketing, sports-tourism and adjacent fields as no longer niche, it is mainstream and surging.
Strategic Sectors: Where the action is
In both the UAE and Saudi, the palette of sports growth is broadening, beyond football and showpieces. Some key areas to note:
Sports tourism & event hosting: Large scale international tournaments, youth academies, destination events are proliferating. The UAE leads in delivering world-class infrastructure and visitor experience.
Female sport, grassroots and new formats: The Gulf is increasingly investing in inclusive sport, women’s leagues, e-sports and “phygital” (physical + digital) formats.
Technological innovation and infrastructure: From Smart Stadiums to fan-engagement, wearable tech, data analytics and performance systems, the sports sector is leaning into tech & talent.
Talent and leadership roles: With new leagues, global partnerships and regional ambitions, there is increasing need for senior executives, those who understand sport, culture, region and global standards.
The arena is no longer just the pitch or the court; it is the boardroom, the data-suite, the fan-app, the global brand. In the Gulf, sports are at the forefront of health, wellbeing, tourism and leisure strategy. And at Future Talent Arabia, we hold the keys to the talent vault.
Beth Gee – Future Talent Arabia October 2025
United Arab Emirates' Investments Soar with eVTOL Adoption
In a monumental stride toward the future of transportation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set its sights on embracing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, the UAE has made significant investments in various eVTOL technologies, cementing its position as a global leader in futuristic mobility solutions.
The eVTOL market has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, driven by advancements in electric propulsion, battery technology and autonomous flight systems. These aircraft promise to revolutionise urban mobility by offering efficient, environmentally friendly, and congestion-free aerial transportation.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have firmly committed to advancing air mobility by introducing eVTOL Air Taxis soon. In February, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) finalised agreements to utilise Air Taxis within the next two years. Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office signed an agreement in October 2023, aiming to launch all-electric Air Taxi operations by 2026.
The UAE's enthusiasm for eVTOLs is evident through its strategic partnerships and acquisitions of cutting-edge aircraft from leading manufacturers. Let's explore some of the notable eVTOL vehicles that the UAE has been linked to:
Archer Aviation: Have advised they plan to carry passengers between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2025 and in Abu Dhabi in 2026.
Joby Aviation: Under the agreement with Dubai’s RTA, Joby will manufacture, certify and operate eVTOL Air Taxis in Dubai expected in 2025.
Volocopter: Is linked to Dubai with a test flight conducted for RTA in 2017.
EHang: EHang has secured significant contracts with the UAE for its passenger-grade eVTOLs including.
Lilium: The UAE's ArcosJet DMCC (“ArcosJet”), a Dubai-based leader in business aircraft brokerage has been named as the exclusive authorised dealer for private sales of the Lilium Jet in the UAE.
Eve Air Mobility: Eve Air Mobility are expected to deliver Air Taxis to Falcon Aviation Services.
Additionally, the UAE has seen companies start to invest in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure including:
SkyDrive: Japanese eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive which has collaborated with VPorts to promote the AAM Industry in the UAE.
Skyports: Skyports is to build four vertiports: at Dubai International Airport, the Palm Jumeirah hotel, Dubai Downtown and Dubai Marina.
Falcon Aviation: Falcon Tours Heliport Terminal at Dubai’s Atlantis the Palm resort will be used for eVTOL flights connecting with the Marina Mall Heliport in Abu Dhabi’s Corniche district.
VPorts and Air Traffic Management: Canada headquartered design, build and operating companies of AAM infrastructure.
The UAE's embrace of eVTOL technology extends beyond mere acquisition, it represents a strategic investment in shaping the future of mobility.
Future Talent Arabia News Article, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 29 May 2024 — Quote Source
