Sports Industry Awards unveils 2026 shortlist for spectacular 13th edition - Sport360 News

The Sports Industry Awards presented by Jetour Elite Motor (SPIA) has unveiled its 2026 shortlist after attracting more than 300 submissions from leading organisations and individuals across the Middle East.

SPIA’s 13th edition will take place on Wednesday, May 13 at Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, returning to the venue for a second-consecutive year. More than 160 entries have progressed to the final stage, underlining the depth and competitiveness of this year’s contenders.

With finalists now confirmed, attendees are encouraged to secure their seats or tables early via the official SPIA website.

Next month’s event introduces 11 new category fields, creating a more representative framework for the breadth of activity across the industry. Judging has begun, with an independent and expanded panel of experts reviewing all shortlisted entries ahead of the final decisions.

SPIA is delivered in partnership with Interact (via Sport Industry Series) and supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) as Strategic Partner. Motus One returns as Gold Sponsor, with The Athletic as Media Partner and Mramez as Silver Sponsor.

“The growth of SPIA over the past 12 editions has mirrored the development of the sports industry across the region,” said Bassam Nawfal, Managing Director of Sport360X. “This year’s shortlist reflects the ambition, innovation and impact being delivered across the sector, with new category fields and an expanded judging panel strengthening the programme further.”

SPIA continues to reflect the ambition and increasing maturity of the Middle East’s sports ecosystem, with organisations and leaders setting new benchmarks across the industry. The awards recognise progress across both established and emerging areas of the sector.

“SPIA was created to provide the region’s sports industry with a platform that genuinely reflects its ambition and capability,” said Sally Corander, Founder of Interact. “What we’re seeing across the Middle East is not just growth, but maturity – organisations thinking bigger, projects delivering measurable impact and leaders setting new benchmarks.”

Being shortlisted for SPIA 2026 provides independent industry recognition, strengthening brand credibility and increasing visibility among key stakeholders across the region. Last year’s winners included DP World, TikTok, ADSC, ADNOC, Ethara and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), reflecting the calibre of organisations recognised by the awards.

2026’s full shortlist is available on spiame.com, as well as across @spia.mena on Instagram and Sport360X on LinkedIn.

About Sport360X Sport360X has been telling the Middle East’s very best sports stories for more than a decade across video, social, gaming and events. It boasts the narrative and creative skills, in Arabic and English, to produce market-leading content that builds affinity with fans and commercial partners alike. Access is provided to more than 15 million followers on Sport360X’s native social media platforms, plus websites that generate more than 12 million monthly page views.

About Interact Founded in 2014, Interact was created from a bold vision to inspire a healthier, more active generation. Interact partners with leading brands and government bodies to embed healthy behaviours within communities, spanning the design, delivery and promotion of impactful, large-scale initiatives and events that boost physical activity, support healthier eating and improve mental well-being across diverse populations.

Media contact: Marketing Team, Sport360X E: [email protected]