Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) submissions remain open until March 31 - Sport360 News

Submissions remain open until March 31 for the 13th edition of Sports Industry Awards (SPIA), offering outstanding organisations and individuals across the Middle East the opportunity to earn wide recognition.

Hosted at Abu Dhabi’s Space42 Arena for a second-consecutive year, SPIA 2026 provides a prestigious stage to showcase projects, initiatives and people advancing sport across the region. It reflects the continued growth and evolution of the sector, highlighting outstanding work across multiple disciplines.

This year’s event on May 13 introduces 11 new category fields, creating a clearer and more representative framework for the breadth of activity taking place across the industry. The judging process has also been strengthened through an expanded panel, ensuring broader expertise and a robust, independent evaluation of all entries.

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 a Strategic Partner. Motus One returns once again as a Gold Sponsor, continuing its long-standing support of the awards, while The Athletic is Media Partner and Mramez is a Silver Sponsor.

“The growth of SPIA over the past 12 editions has mirrored the growth of the sports industry across the region, and the 2026 edition reflects how much that landscape continues to evolve,” said Bassam Nawfal, Managing Director of Sport360X.

“This year, we’ve introduced new category fields, expanded the judging panel and strengthened our partnerships, all with the aim of creating a more structured, credible and representative awards programme for the industry. These changes are about ensuring that outstanding work across every part of the sports ecosystem has the platform and recognition it deserves.

“We’re proud to be bringing SPIA back to Abu Dhabi for a second year, with the support of key strategic partners, and we look forward to welcoming submissions that showcase the innovation, ambition and impact driving sport forward across the Middle East.”

Submit your entry for the opportunity to join a distinguished list of previous winners. Last year’s champions included DP World, TikTok, ADSC, ADNOC, Ethara and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).

Winning or being shortlisted for a SPIA award provides independent industry recognition, strengthens brand credibility and increases visibility among key stakeholders. Past editions have seen strong engagement from rights holders, federations, brands, agencies, venues and service providers across the region.

“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.

“SPIA 2026 is about recognising that progress and ensuring those raising standards across the industry receive the visibility they deserve.”

Submissions are now open, with full category details, eligibility criteria and deadlines available via the official SPIA website. Organisations and individuals are encouraged to submit and be part of the region’s most established sports industry awards platform.

2026 SPIA categories: Sport Event Supplier of the Year, Best Use of Technology, Best Use of Data and Analytics in Sports, Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Community Sports Initiative of the Year, Excellence in Sustainability, Corporate Wellness Programme of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the Year, Female Leader in Middle East Sport, Outstanding Contribution to Middle East Sport, Visionary Leader in Middle East Sport, Lifetime Achievement Award, Rising Sports Leader (Under 30) in the Middle East, Major International Sport Event of the Year (MENA), Best Fan Engagement in Sport, Mass Participation Event of the Year, Youth Event of the Year, Sport Venue of the Year, Best Youth Sports Development Programme, Best Athlete Wellbeing & Support Programme, Best Sport Education & Training Programme, Professional Team/Club of the Year, Amateur/Community Team/Club of the Year, Sports Photograph of the Year, Sports Content Creator of the Year, Sports Podcast of the Year, Best Use of Social Media in Sport, Best PR/Communication Sports Strategy, Best Advisory Service of the Year, Agency of the Year, Campaign of the Year, and Sports Organisation of the Year.

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]