Dubai has been named the permanent opening destination for the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball’s new global championship, the Beach World Series, marking a significant milestone for the emirate’s international sports profile.
The series will launch for the first time in Dubai in November 2026.
The announcement was made during the World Sports Summit following the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between the Dubai Sports Council and FIVB. The long-term partnership positions Dubai as the first city worldwide to commit to hosting a permanent opening stop for the global beach volleyball circuit.
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, said the decision reflects growing international confidence in Dubai’s ability to deliver major sporting events to the highest organisational standards. He highlighted sustained investment in infrastructure and strategic partnerships as key factors strengthening Dubai’s presence on the global sports map.
The agreement was signed in the presence of senior officials from both organisations, including Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, and Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Council. Signatories included Guido Betti, Chief Business Officer of Volleyball World, and Eisa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council.
The Beach World Series will introduce a new format that blends elite athletic competition with entertainment, music, and audience interaction, creating an immersive beach experience. Dubai’s opening event will set the tone for a curated global tour of ten international destinations, each showcasing its local culture and identity.
Volleyball World Chairman Michael Payne described Dubai as a natural founding partner, citing its world-class infrastructure, tourism appeal, and ambitious vision for the future of sport. Additional host cities are expected to be announced in the coming months.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
