Dubai’s Nad Al Sheba 2026 Set for Record 11,000 Athletes

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has reaffirmed that Dubai’s year-round sporting calendar has made the city a permanent and preferred global destination for athletes from around the world.

Speaking ahead of the 13th edition of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, Sheikh Hamdan said the tournament has grown into a major event on Dubai’s sporting calendar since its launch in 2013. He highlighted that this year’s edition will be the largest ever, with more than 11,000 athletes competing in 11 different sports.

He added that the tournament reflects Dubai’s strong commitment to sports and its welcoming approach towards athletes of all nationalities. The initiative also aims to encourage people of all ages to take part in sports and enjoy healthy competition.

Sheikh Hamdan noted that the event is designed not only for professional athletes but also for families. It provides an opportunity to introduce children to the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair competition, especially during the UAE’s special “Year of the Family.”

Tournament Details

The 13th Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, organised by the Dubai Sports Council, will take place from 18 February to 7 March 2026 at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex.

Since its launch in 2013, the tournament has attracted more than 60,000 amateur, professional, and special needs athletes from different countries and age groups. Over the years, prize money exceeding AED 60.5 million has been distributed to winners.

The event has become one of Dubai’s most important annual sports gatherings, promoting sport as a way of life and strengthening the city’s global sporting reputation.

Growth Over the Years

The first edition in 2013 featured over 1,500 athletes competing in five sports. Participation doubled to 3,000 athletes in six sports in 2014.

In 2015, more than 4,000 athletes competed in seven sports including futsal, volleyball, padel tennis, cycling, archery, and wheelchair basketball. By 2016 and 2017, participation crossed 4,000 and then 5,000 athletes respectively, with more sports added such as fencing and football for the deaf.

The sixth edition in 2018 saw over 6,000 athletes across 11 sports, including jiu-jitsu and 3x3 basketball. In 2019, the tournament hosted more than 7,000 athletes in 13 different sports, marking one of its largest editions before the pandemic.

Although the event was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 precautions, it returned in 2021 with over 2,500 participants. Since then, the tournament has grown steadily:

• 2022: More than 6,000 participants in eight sports

• 2023: Over 5,000 athletes from 103 nationalities

• 2024: 7,149 athletes in nine sports

• 2025: Nearly 8,000 athletes competing in 11 sports

The upcoming 2026 edition is set to break all previous records, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global sports destination.