Land of Opportunity: Racing City Group’s Vision for Football and Infrastructure in the UAE’s Emerging Markets

Revolutionizing Football and Real Estate Development in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly emerging as a global hub for innovation, sports, and infrastructure development. At the forefront of this transformation is Racing City Group, a pioneering football enterprise that is redefining the sport while contributing to the region’s economic growth through real estate and infrastructure projects.

With a bold mission to bridge the gap between emerging markets and top-tier football, Racing City Group is leading talent development, club management, and commercial property ventures. Under the leadership of CEO Justin Davis, alongside key figures such as Morris Pagniello, Tuya Miari, Mubarak AlRamli Alketbi, and Saeed Ahmad Nafar Mohammed Ahmed, the group is shaping the future of football and urban development in the UAE and beyond.

Building a Seamless Football Ecosystem

Racing City Group was founded with the vision of integrating all aspects of the football world—academies, scouting networks, club ownership, and media platforms—into a single, cohesive system. This approach not only nurtures young talent but also fuels sustainable economic growth in the UAE by combining sports innovation with strategic land and infrastructure development.

CEO Justin Davis, a leader with over 25 years of experience across various industries, is steering the group’s ambitious expansion into the global sports arena. His strategic acumen and expertise in managing complex projects have positioned Racing City Group as a key player in football innovation.

“We are not just building football academies; we are creating sports communities and commercial hubs that will serve future generations,” says Saeed Ahmad Nafar Mohammed Ahmed, the group’s Head of Commercial and Business Property Development. His role focuses on strategic land acquisitions and the development of modern football facilities, ensuring long-term economic benefits for the UAE.

Empowering the Next Generation of Football Talent

At its core, Racing City Group’s mission is to nurture young football players and create pathways to professional success. The UAE Division, led by Mubarak AlRamli Alketbi, is dedicated to developing homegrown talent through world-class academies, elite training programs, and international exposure.

More than just training centers, these academies serve as hubs for community engagement, fostering young athletes and strengthening relationships with local schools, government entities, and grassroots organizations.

“Our academies are designed to give young players not just training but a structured and supportive environment where they can thrive,” explains Alketbi. “We aim to provide every aspiring footballer with the tools needed to succeed, both on and off the pitch.”

Expanding Global Influence Through Marketing and Partnerships

As Racing City Group grows its global footprint, Tuya Miari, the Marketing and International Manager for the UAE, is at the helm of expanding the brand’s reach. With expertise in sports marketing and business development, she is responsible for forging international partnerships, driving promotional campaigns, and positioning Racing City Group as a leader in football innovation.

“Our goal is to establish Racing City Group as a global brand that embodies opportunity, innovation, and growth,” says Miari. “We want to make an impact both on the pitch and in the communities we serve.”

Morris Pagniello: A Visionary in Football Innovation

At the heart of Racing City Group’s football operations is Morris Pagniello, a well-respected figure in global football management. As a former player, scout, and entrepreneur, he has successfully built a network of clubs and academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

His forward-thinking approach focuses on embracing digital transformation, data analytics, and sustainability to reshape the traditional football business model.

“Football today is about more than just the game,” says Pagniello. “It’s about creating a complete ecosystem that supports players, fans, and communities alike.”

Why the UAE is the Ideal Base for Racing City Group

With its strategic location and progressive sports policies, the UAE is the perfect headquarters for Racing City Group. The country’s dedication to youth programs, sports infrastructure, and global partnerships aligns seamlessly with the group’s vision.

By investing in football facilities, sports cities, and commercial developments, Racing City Group is boosting the local economy, creating jobs, and strengthening community engagement.

Saeed Ahmad Nafar Mohammed Ahmed emphasizes the importance of strategic real estate development in Racing City Group’s mission. “We are not just building academies; we are developing communities that will drive long-term economic and social growth.”

A Global Talent Pipeline: Connecting Players to the World Stage

One of Racing City Group’s core missions is to identify and nurture young footballers from underrepresented regions. The group’s academies provide world-class training, ensuring that talent from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia has access to international opportunities.

Through partnerships with European and South American clubs, Racing City Group creates clear pathways for players to progress through different levels of competition, offering them the best chance to reach professional leagues.

This revolutionary approach is transforming football in the UAE and beyond, opening doors for young athletes to achieve their dreams on the global stage.

The Road Ahead: Expanding Locally and Internationally

With Justin Davis at the helm, Racing City Group is accelerating its expansion into key emerging markets, including Africa, Asia, and South America, while reinforcing its presence in the UAE.

By merging football development with business growth, Racing City Group is setting a new standard for how sports and infrastructure can work together to create lasting economic and social impact.

“Racing City Group’s mission is to build an integrated football ecosystem that benefits players, communities, and economies,” says Davis. “Our work in the UAE is just the beginning of a much larger vision.”

As Racing City Group continues to innovate and grow, it remains dedicated to shaping the future of football and infrastructure development in emerging markets, making the UAE a true land of opportunity for the next generation of athletes and sports entrepreneurs.