As a pioneer and expert in sports marketing and investment in the Middle East, the sports industry is ripe for governance and transparency in commercial plans. Where does blockchain and crypto exchange fit into this?
For decades, we have been conducting sports based upon trust in human judgment. I believe that now it’s the time to use technology to foster this support and decision-making in many realms; for example, when making the decision to identify young talents, buy a player; when changing coaches; and overall, helping to create profitable business models for sports clubs.
Numbers do not make mistakes, so we apply this technology to fulfil the criteria. Artificial intelligence will determine this success and then blockchain will help in the transfer of payments to designated individuals which will enable a financial fare play model.
Your passion for sports and technology led you to create the first International Conference for Artificial Intelligence in Sports. Why was this important?
Sports is in my blood and I believe in creating the bridge between sports and technology, we will bring more joy to our experience. Also, we will be able to secure a sustainable flow for millions of new fans around the world, thus improving our commercial models and new sources of revenue for the sports industry.
Why do you think that Dubai has launched its strategy for metaverse?
Dubai has been destined to be the heart of the Middle East for technology, and is set to attract 100,000 coders; so why not transform Dubai into one of metaverse capitals of the world?
Also, government regulations, 5G and future 6G technology, as well as quantum computers and the web3.0, will speed up the process of developing and providing virtual reality entertainment for millions of fans and consumers. Just as the smartphone is an essential factor in our lives today, in 10 years’ time, metaverse will be an essential tool, too.
You embarked upon your career with UAE Sport Clubs and gained experience in developing and building commercial acquisitions, organising and supporting mega events with international bodies, including The Dubai Sports Council. Do you believe that metaverse is viable for sport activities?
Yes, we need to have access to major events around the world without having to plan or to travel just to watch a match. With metaverse, you can be sitting in your home and enjoy the atmosphere of the match with your chosen friends. Sports activities and events are on high demand for millions of fans around the world.
As stadiums can only accommodate a limited number of fans, within the metaverse, fans sitting in Dubai can enjoy the atmosphere of being in the stadium along with their friends in a UEFA Final Champions match between Manchester City and Real Madrid, for example.
You have stated that the fan base has many different age segments and that statistics indicate that fans are no longer loyal unless they see the dynamic of winning or high level of performance. How will blockchain and metaverse help with this?
For two factors; one factor is the economy value. For example, the Millennial generation in the US will inherit $68 trillion from the Baby Boomers by 2030.
Then Gen Z will inherit $33 trillion by 2030 and also, second factor by 2025, we will have two billion individuals from the Alpha generation (born after 2012) who are mostly seeking out extreme fun and fast action goals or results. This reflects the fact that our future market economy lies in bridging the gap between sports and technology.
Do you believe that metaverse is the future of entertainment and sports?
The estimated value of the metaverse in 10 years will be $350bn along with our future generations seeking out new experiences; so yes, we must be interacting with metaverse technology.
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