Unlocked Sport announces strategic entry into Saudi market

Jason Turnbull, left, is chairman and CEO of Unlocked Sport and Atif Karim is the COO and head of sports business. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 January 2025
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Unlocked Sport announces strategic entry into Saudi market

Unlocked Sport, an Australian business with a presence in the US and Latin American markets, has announced its entry into the Saudi sports market. This move aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to impactful commercial and investment deals that foster community development, highlighting Unlocked Sport’s dedication to leveraging sports for economic and social progress.

The global sports market is projected to reach an impressive $117.90 billion in 2025, showcasing the immense potential sports can offer economies worldwide. Unlocked Sport’s unique sports ecosystem concierge approach helps stakeholders, sports entities, businesses, and investors capitalize on the future of major sporting events globally and in Saudi Arabia over the next decade and beyond. This approach ensures all parties can maximize their potential and contribute to a thriving sports ecosystem. 




The King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, set to be a venue for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Unlocked Sport is committed to unlocking the full potential of the Saudi sports sector. (Supplied)

Jason Turnbull, chairman and CEO of Unlocked Sport, said: “At Unlocked Sport, we pride ourselves on being your ‘Sports Ecosystem Concierge,’ facilitating deeper connections between sports stakeholders and the communities they serve. Our mission is to transform ideas into scalable and impactful assets, providing comprehensive support that includes opportunity promotion, project management, and business concierge services.”

According to Turnbull, the development model and attraction strategy that Saudi Arabia is undertaking offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to globally showcase how sports can be a major driver of national and economic development. “It is exciting to see this initiative engage all generations around a unifying vision, demonstrating the power of sports to bring about positive change,” he said.

Atif Karim, COO and head of sports business at Unlocked Sport, said: “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 presents an unparalleled operational opportunity. The Kingdom’s ambitious plans for economic diversification and community development through sports align perfectly with our mission to create impactful and sustainable sports ecosystems. We are excited to be part of this transformative journey.”

Unlocked Sport is committed to working closely with Saudi Arabian stakeholders to unlock the full potential of the sports sector, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and beyond.


31st Dubai Shopping Festival kicks-off with star-studded concerts, unique experiences

Updated 12 December 2025
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31st Dubai Shopping Festival kicks-off with star-studded concerts, unique experiences

The 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, the world’s longest-running annual retail celebration of its kind, launched with an unforgettable opening weekend, with dazzling live performances, shows and events. 

Running until Jan. 11, the DSF extravaganza is transforming Dubai into a vibrant hub of unbeatable shopping deals,  and immersive entertainment, drawing millions of visitors to experience the city’s unmatched blend of retail innovation, culture, and global flair.

Kicking off the festivities in spectacular style, the opening weekend saw high-energy concerts, captivating family entertainment, and cutting-edge visual displays, which set the tone for a 38-day season of wonder, excitement and family entertainment.

e& DSF Nights

Adding style and glamor to the weekend, international icon Nora Fatehi dazzled audiences at e& DSF Nights, the daily celebrations that will be held at Dubai Festival City Mall. Famed for her high-energy dance performances and infectious rhythms, Fatehi’s live show wowed fans on Dec. 6, at the mall’s scenic Festival Bay. The venue showcased stunning fireworks complementing an evening of cultural vibrancy and celebration. 

As part of the broader e& DSF Nights series, the event featured interactive zones, waterfront attractions, and free public installations, creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience for all ages.

Hatta mountain experiences

DSF will also feature an exciting and immersive mountain experience at Hatta Wadi Hub for the second year in a row, featuring Candlelight Concerts by Fever, Dinner in the Sky, and the Roxy Dome Cinema.

Candlelight Concerts by Fever

Experience a magical outdoor candlelight concert series for all to enjoy with incredible music from Vivaldi to Coldplay against the stunning backdrop of the Hatta mountains. Tickets are on sale for 70 dirhams ($28). Kids eight years and below are welcome to join the children’s concert taking place on Dec. 13 for free.

Dinner in the Sky

This elevated experience will debut at the Hatta mountains for a scenic meal in the clouds like no other. Perched 50 meters above ground, experience a stunning dinner for 300 dirhams.

Breathtaking shows 

Elevating the spectacle further, DSF will unveil its new Drone and Pyro Show, a mesmerizing technological marvel featuring more than 1,000 drones, including 100 pyro drones, across two nightly displays. Fusing art and innovation, these breathtaking shows will illuminate the city skyline with color and creativity, symbolizing Dubai’s visionary and future-forward spirit. A Dubai-inspired soundtrack by legendary composer Hans Zimmer will be used for the drone display, where thousands of synchronized drones will dance through the night sky, transforming the city skyline into a cinematic symphony of light and sound.

Tickets for e& DSF Nights are now available to purchase via Platinumlist.net. Fans are urged to secure their seats early before they sell out. Two additional A-list concerts at Coca-Cola Arena and e& DSF Nights will soon be announced, adding to the festival’s star-studded entertainment lineup.