We expect 2,000 athletes to participate in the Dubai International Aquatics Championships

The Chairman of the Emirates Water Sports Federation’s Steering Committee, Abdullah Al Wahaibi, confirmed that the Dubai International Water Sports Championship 2026 is expected to witness the largest participation in its history, explaining that the wide turnout from countries and teams reflects the leading position that the tournament has become at the regional and global level.

The Dubai International Championship will be held from March 27 to April 6, 2026 at the Hamdan Sports Complex, and has official accreditation from the International Federation of Aquatic Sports, which makes its results recognized within the international classification. It is also considered one of the qualification stations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics.

Abdullah Al Wahaibi told Emirates Today: “We expect the participation of more than 2,000 athletes from more than 40 countries in this year’s edition, a number that reflects the great international confidence in Dubai’s organizational capabilities. The tournament is also a global platform for developing talent and creating champions, and we aim to present an exceptional edition worthy of the name of the Emirates.”

The tournament is organized in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council and the Hamdan Sports Complex.

Al-Wahaibi continued: “This year’s edition includes individual and group races in various categories, in addition to technical and judging programs according to the highest international standards, ensuring the provision of a strong competition experience that reflects Dubai’s position on the international sports arena. The tournament is anticipating prominent participation from Arab, Asian and European teams, so that Dubai will continue to strengthen its position as one of the most important global destinations for water championships in 2026.”

The organizing committee also announced the launch of a record program for the first time, to approve official numbers in the 50-meter and 100-meter races in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, while providing official certificates and incentive prizes to those who succeed in breaking the numbers.