Sania Mirza: Indian tennis legend appointed sports ambassador for Dubai
Harbhajan Singh also joins DSC at star-studded event featuring Khabib and Patrice Evra
Sania Mirza, the former Indian tennis star, has been appointed as the official sports ambassador by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
The announcement was made at the “Dubai Sports Retreat,” a high-profile event held at the Museum of the Future.
Alongside Mirza, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, who claimed 711 international wickets, was also named as an ambassador for the city.
Sania Mirza, a six-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 in women’s doubles, expressed her excitement about the role on Instagram. "Honoured and grateful to be a sports ambassador for Dubai! Thank you for this incredible opportunity Dubai Sports Council," she shared with her 13 million followers.
This appointment is in line with Dubai’s ambitious vision to promote sports excellence and foster active, healthy lifestyles. The city aims to strengthen its reputation as a global sports hub, and these high-profile appointments are key to achieving that goal.
The event was attended by notable sports figures, including UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and football icon Patrice Evra, all of whom were part of the announcement that further solidifies Dubai’s position as a sports destination.
Sania Mirza to represent Dubai Sports Council
The appointment of Mirza is a strategic move by the Dubai Sports Council to align with the UAE’s broader goal of becoming a major player in the international sports arena.
By bringing world-class sporting figures such as Mirza and Singh onboard, the city is enhancing its image as a centre for sports tourism and infrastructure development.
“The ideas and insights discussed at the event will help shape a brighter future for sports, enhance our clubs’ achievements, and nurture local talent,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, during the event. This reflects Dubai’s commitment to improving its sporting ecosystem and supporting the next generation of athletes.
Having made Dubai her home since her marriage to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik in 2010, Mirza has long been a part of the city’s vibrant sporting culture. Despite her divorce from Malik in the start of this year, Mirza continues to live in Dubai with their son, Izhaan Malik.