At the Fort Island in Madinat Jumeirah, the gala on Tuesday night, organised by Sport360°, saw the region’s leaders, facilities and organisations recognised for their efforts to the development of sport over the last 12 months.

A total of 202 entries were registered across the 16 categories. Each submission went through a rigid and transparent judging process, overseen by a judging panel of 18 of the region’s experts, and facilitated by Deloitte and Touche.

During his opening speech, Sport360° CEO, Steve McLaughlin, said: “The SPIAs was created by Sport360° with you in mind. The professionals who make sport exciting for the fans.

“Every year you are the ones who raise your game, who astound us with your passion, dedication and professionalism and with the ever-increasing quality of your applications.

“Most importantly, this event would not be possible without everyone here tonight, the contestants, the shortlisted finalists and the industry professionals.”

Among the winners was Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, who won the Best Live Experience at a Professional Sports Event for the first time. Kahn Luthiger, public events and marketing manager at Yas Marina Circuit, was delighted to take home the prestigious award.

“The best part of this award is that it’s voted by the public and it is the biggest event Abu Dhabi has seen,” he said.

“All we want to do is put the best possible experience and we continue to do that.”

Among the big winners Adidas and Light Blue, who won both the Best Integrated Sports Marketing Campaign of the Year and Best Sports Brand, Retail or Product Activation of the Year for their First Never Follows campaign.

Sameena Ibrahim, newsrooms and PR manager of Adidas MENA, said: “It feels amazing and when it’s an industry award, it’s very satisfying to win. We never do campaigns to win awards. The reason we do it is for our consumers and fans and that’s the reason why we come out with fantastic products.”

ADIB Future Champions League, run by ADIB/IMG won the Best Sport CSR Initiative of the Year.

Petr Klimes, head of global marketing at ADIB, said: “It’s a fantastic feeling and the whole team
deserves it.

“We are really happy that we can work with kids that could hopefully be future champions in football.”

Other winners included Kickers, who claimed the Best Sport F&B Venue of the Year accolade and IMG (Best Sport Agency or Organisation of the Year).

The event was sponsored by Dubai Sports City, Lacoste and SMG Insight.