Dubai FDI Supports Paradigm Sports In Establishing Its International Office In Dubai

Firm will also focus on representing local talent in a region where combat sports are increasingly popular

The Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), an agency of Dubai Economy, has supportedCalifornia-based company Paradigm Sportsin its decision to choose Dubai as the location for its international office. The elite sports management agency plans to reach markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa from its office in Dubai. Paradigm Sports is also focused on representing local talent in a region where combat sports, martial arts in particular, are witnessing increasing popularity.

Ibrahim Ahli, Director of the Investment Promotion Division of Dubai FDI, said: “Paradigm Sports is one of the world’s leading companies in the field of sports representation. We are pleased that the company has decided to establish an international office in Dubai and aims to enhance its roster of representation with talent from this region and beyond, in line with the strategy of the UAE and Dubai to attract talented people in all fields. Paradigm Sports’ expansion is testimony to our multi-faceted growth environment and a holistic approach to aligning domestic strengths with global best practice. Dubai FDI has been happy to facilitate Paradigm Sports’ foray into the region, and it is encouraging to see this relationship translate into a successful venture.”

Ahli added: “Dubai’s ease of doing business and strategic location enable continuing growth for companies seeking to expand their global footprint. This advantage is matched by the city administration’s focus on innovation and infrastructure designed to facilitate a ‘live, work, and play’ destination for residents and visitors. Our leaders’ vision of creating a strong diversified knowledge economy, with a focus on happiness, has made Dubai and the UAE an ideal destination for investors across sectors.”

Paradigm Sports has a global reputation as a multi-platform sports representation, business, and media company, handling the careers of a global roster of elite combat sports and football athletes. Founded in 2009 by Baghdad-born Audie Attar, Paradigm Sports represents elite fighters, including Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya (current UFC middleweight champion), Leon Edwards, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson, Michael Bisping, Cris Cyborg, Jiri Prochazka, Jozie Altidore, and Muhammad Mokaev. In 2020, Paradigm Sports’ star Iraqi athlete Amir Albazimade his UFC debut at the inaugural Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. The agency is also associated with game-changing business ventures such as the Legend Fighting Championship in China,lifestyle brand August McGregor, McGregor FAST and TIDL Sports in the health and fitness sectors.

Paradigm Sports has cited several reasons for selecting Dubai as the location for its international office, not the least among them being Dubai’s extraordinary response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has allowed a safe return to business earlier than most other cities in the world. The company also said Dubai’s locational advantage, which places the city equidistant to the major capital markets of Europe and Asia, was an important consideration. Also, the UAE has consistently demonstrated its deep interest in combat sports. For instance, the country’s leadership has mandated jiu-jitsu in schools and the police force.

Audie Attar, Founder and CEO of Paradigm Sports, said: “To be truly the best in class, you have to be global. We evaluated several options but it became clear that Dubai was the outstanding choice. The infrastructure, policies, and ease of doing business made this the most intelligent choice for our international office. The plans for the region from an economic and sporting standpoint are ambitious and we are here to contribute towards that. I can see that with the plans around the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai; It’s remarkable.  I also have emotional and cultural ties to the place and have always wanted to do business in some organic fashion. We have built a game-defining platform for combat sports athletes and I’m honored to launch that in Dubai.”

Azhar Muhammad Saul, Partner and Senior Vice President of Paradigm Sports, added: “We represent some of the biggest and most iconic names in sports and have been overwhelmed with how keen the region is to understand them better. From a representation perspective, we have scouts all over the region and we will be adding new names to our roster. We are also actively working on partnerships, business ventures, and potential events within the UAE; we are excited to bring these to market and make a positive contribution to the extraordinary success story that is Dubai. The opportunities for both the region and our athletes really don’t have any limits. We firmly believe that combat sports will continue to ascend this huge trajectory of growth and our international office in Dubai is well positioned to support and develop this.”

Sport is considered an important channel through which to achieve a cohesive society and cultural identity, which is part of the six pillars of the UAE’s National Agenda in line with Vision 2021. In recognition of the UAE’s multi-cultural demographic, and its unique global approach, in April 2018, the UAE Government approved a federal law that allows all UAE residents, regardless of their nationalities, to participate in national sports competitions held in the country.Combat sports are a part of this strategy.

In June 2021, UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation formed a committee to develop a variety of MMA disciplines aimed at nurturing a new generation of athletes who can compete on the local as well as global stage, furthering its mandate to oversee the development of MMA.

Dubai Sports Council has developed a Strategic Plan for 2021-2030, which meets the strategic objectives of the UAE Government and, guided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the plan will form the cornerstone of development in the country’s sports sector in the coming decade, as well as enhance Dubai and the UAE’s reputation as a global hub of sporting excellence, thereby increasing its influence on the international stage.

The economic outcomes of Dubai and the UAE’s successful strategies to address the COVID-19 pandemic have been recognized for maintaining the ideal balance between health and economic wellbeing. The 2020 Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) recently announced that the UAE is ranked No. 1 in the Arab region and No. 2 globally in terms of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE has adopted a comprehensive economic support plan that includes a range of procedures aimed at containing the effects of the pandemic on the economy. The country has allocated a flexible direct budget of AED256 billion to reduce the pandemic's impact on the community, as well as to protect consumers and companies. The Dubai Government has also announced stimulus measures valued at AED 7.1 billion.

View News Headlines