Anwar Shaikh’s journey into the world of global sport began long before he understood its importance. His first exposure came through an international boutique agency that specialised in motorsport and was contracted by the Bahrain Grand Prix. At that time Bahrain was the first and only Formula One race in the Middle East. Being part of that environment introduced him to something much larger than sport itself.
It was his first close look at how events, brands and governments work together. He saw how a single weekend could bring global attention, economic impact and national pride to one place. At the time he was too busy working to realise how meaningful the moment was, but today he looks back at it as the foundation of everything that followed.
That experience shaped his ambition to build platforms that connect markets, cultures and long term economic value through sport and live experiences.
A Front Row View of Global Sport
From the very beginning Anwar Shaikh understood that sport was not just competition. It was culture, business and identity coming together in one space. This understanding gave him clarity about the kind of career he wanted to build.
In the GCC region sport holds a special role. It reflects national ambition, brings people together and shows the world how fast the region is evolving. This made the industry a natural fit for him. It required strategic thinking, strong partnerships and the ability to scale ideas across borders. These were challenges that excited him rather than intimidated him.
As the region grew into a global sports destination, Anwar Shaikh grew alongside it, learning from every event and every market.
Learning from the Ground Up
Anwar Shaikh did not start his career with senior titles or high level authority. His early years were spent in sales and events roles where execution mattered more than recognition. He worked on city activations leading up to major races and managed fan zones during event weekends. These roles taught him how live experiences are built from the ground up.
He understood that if he wanted to move into commercial and strategic roles he had to earn it. He focused on doing the work properly, meeting deadlines and delivering results consistently. Over time his reliability helped him gain trust and visibility.
This phase of his career taught him patience and discipline. It also gave him a deep understanding of how events operate behind the scenes, knowledge that would later become one of his biggest strengths.
Earning Trust in High Expectation Environments
One of the hardest parts of Anwar Shaikh’s early career was earning trust in high pressure environments. Working on global events meant dealing with senior stakeholders who expected excellence and consistency. Mistakes were not easily forgiven.
Instead of pushing for attention, he focused on being dependable. He listened more than he spoke, delivered on his responsibilities and supported teams wherever needed. Slowly he built credibility. Once trust was earned, his opinions began to matter.
This shift opened doors into sales and commercial strategy roles where he could start shaping the business side of sports and events rather than only executing them.
Building the UAE Cycling Movement
One of the most meaningful achievements of Anwar Shaikh’s career has been his involvement in the UAE cycling movement from its earliest days. When cycling was still developing in the region he worked on the foundations of what later became the Dubai Tour and Abu Dhabi Tour.
Those early efforts eventually evolved into the UAE Tour, now one of the most respected races on the international cycling calendar. Watching that journey from idea to global recognition remains a proud moment for him.
For Anwar Shaikh this was never just about sport. It was about creating a platform that encouraged healthier lifestyles, brought communities together and positioned the UAE on the world stage in a new way. It proved that with the right structure and patience, sports properties in the region could reach global standards.
Scaling Sports and Event Platforms
Throughout his career Anwar Shaikh has helped scale sports and event intellectual property across international markets. His focus has always been on building commercial models that allow events to grow sustainably rather than rely on short term visibility.
He believes that successful sports platforms are built on long term partnerships and aligned interests. Sponsorships should create value for all parties involved including governments, brands, organisers and fans. This mindset has helped him develop relationships that last beyond single event cycles.
His work across different markets has given him a deep understanding of how culture, policy and commercial strategy must align for events to succeed.
A Focus on Advisory and Sustainable Growth
Today Anwar Shaikh is focused on advisory work around scaling intellectual property, building partnerships and supporting market entry strategies. His goal is to help sports and experience led platforms grow in a sustainable and responsible way.
He works closely with stakeholders to ensure that events are built on strong systems and long term planning. He believes that success in the GCC depends on trust, structure and alignment with national goals. Without these elements even the biggest ideas struggle to last.
This focus reflects his long term ambition to contribute to how sport and live experiences grow across the region and globally.
Systems Matter More Than Moments
One of the most important lessons Anwar Shaikh has learned is that sustainable scale comes from systems, not moments. Big events can attract attention, but only strong foundations can create lasting impact.
In the GCC this lesson is especially important. The region is known for bold launches and ambitious projects, but long term success depends on consistent execution and aligned partnerships.
This belief now shapes every project he touches. He encourages organisations to invest in people, processes and relationships before chasing growth.
The Legacy He Wants to Leave Behind
When Anwar Shaikh thinks about legacy, he does not talk about trophies or headlines. He hopes to be remembered for helping elevate how sports intellectual property is commercialised in the region.
His vision is to move the industry from transactional sponsorships to partnerships that create economic, cultural and social value. He wants sports platforms to serve communities, inspire young people and strengthen national identity.
For him, true success is measured by what continues to grow long after the spotlight fades.
A Message to the Next Generation
For those entering the sports and events industry Anwar Shaikh offers simple advice. Be patient and focus on building credibility before chasing scale. Reputation, relationships and consistency grow over time and open doors that speed never can.
His own journey is proof that long term success comes from doing the work properly, earning trust and staying committed to the vision even when progress feels slow.
A Journey Still in Motion
From his first days at the Bahrain Grand Prix to shaping some of the most important sports platforms in the GCC, Anwar Shaikh’s story continues to evolve.
As the region strengthens its place on the global sports map, leaders like him will continue to play a role in shaping how sport is experienced, valued and sustained.
For anyone searching for inspiration, his story reminds us that sometimes the moments we barely notice are the ones that quietly change everything.
Do connect him on LinkedIn
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