Dubai Approves 2026-27 Sports Calendar With Major Events and World Sports Summit

Dubai is preparing for another busy year of sporting action after Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the emirate’s sports events calendar for the 2026-27 season.

The Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council and President of the UAE Olympic Committee approved a wide-ranging programme featuring hundreds of sporting events and championships across Dubai throughout the year.

The calendar is expected to bring major international competitions and leading athletes to the emirate while encouraging greater public participation in sport.

Dubai Set for a Packed Sporting Season

The newly approved calendar includes a diverse range of competitions and sporting activities designed to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading international sports destination.

The programme will feature events involving athletes and teams from different parts of the world, giving sports fans in Dubai opportunities to watch high-level competitions across a variety of disciplines.

The initiative also aims to increase awareness of sporting events and encourage residents and visitors to attend competitions featuring prominent athletes and international champions.

Sports Strategy 2033 Remains a Key Focus

The Dubai Sports Council meeting also reviewed progress on important initiatives being implemented under the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033.

The strategy focuses on developing a stronger and more sustainable sports sector through areas including talent development, community participation, sports clubs, events, infrastructure, information and investment.

Developing Athletes and Sporting Talent

Supporting athletes and creating opportunities for emerging talent remain important elements of Dubai’s long-term sports plans.

The strategy aims to help athletes improve their performances and compete successfully at local, regional, continental and international levels.

Sheikh Mansoor also praised the work of sports clubs and federations in supporting athletes and helping develop the next generation of sporting talent.

World Sports Summit to Return in December

Preparations for the second edition of the World Sports Summit were also discussed during the meeting.

The summit is scheduled to take place in Dubai on December 28 and 29 under the theme “Uniting the World Through Sports”.

It is expected to bring together leading sports personalities, decision-makers, specialists and representatives from international sports organisations.

Global Platform for the Future of Sport

The summit will provide an international platform for discussions surrounding the development and future of the global sports industry.

It will also further highlight Dubai’s growing role as a centre for major sporting conversations and international events.

Dubai School Games Continue to Grow

The meeting also reviewed developments surrounding the seventh edition of the Dubai School Games, which has recorded significant growth in participation.

The latest edition involves around 23,000 students from 210 schools competing across 31 tournaments in different sports.

The programme is designed to encourage a stronger sporting culture among young people while helping identify promising athletes.

Several young talents discovered through the initiative have gone on to join sports clubs and national teams, highlighting the role of school competitions in developing future athletes.

Basketball Development Also on the Agenda

Officials also reviewed the work of Dubai’s Basketball Sector Development Committee, which is focused on expanding participation in the sport.

The plans include increasing the number of players, academies and competitions while strengthening opportunities for basketball development at both local and international levels.

Dubai Strengthens Its Position as a Global Sports Hub

The approval of the 2026-27 calendar reflects Dubai’s continued efforts to expand its sports sector and attract major international competitions.

With a busy schedule of events, investment in athletes and clubs, youth development programmes and international sports initiatives, the emirate is positioning sport as an important part of its wider community, tourism and economic ambitions.

The latest plans also underline the importance of cooperation between sports clubs, federations and other organisations in creating a stronger and more sustainable sporting environment across Dubai.