The UAE Aquatics Federation has announced that the Dubai International Aquatics Championship 2026 will take place from 27 March to 6 April at the Hamdan Sports Complex, bringing together more than 2,000 athletes from over 40 countries in what is expected to be the largest edition of the event to date.
Recognised by World Aquatics, the championship will feature internationally accredited results and serve as a ranking pathway toward the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, increasing its competitive importance for national federations and emerging athletes worldwide.
Organised in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council and hosted at the Hamdan Sports Complex, the event will be technically delivered in partnership with Apex Sports Academy. The competition programme includes a wide range of individual events across multiple age categories, all conducted according to international technical standards.
In a first for the championship, organisers have introduced an official DIAC Record Programme. Championship records will be established in selected 50m and 100m races across four strokes, with athletes who set new benchmarks receiving financial rewards and official record certificates.
The event is expected to attract leading young talents and national teams from the Arab region, Asia, and Europe, reinforcing Dubai’s growing reputation as a global hub for elite aquatics competitions.
Abdullah Al-Wuhaibi, Chairman of the UAE Aquatics Federation Steering Committee, said the championship represents a strategic step in advancing aquatic sports development in the UAE. He noted that DIAC 2026 aims to raise organisational and technical standards while providing a global platform for athletes to deliver standout and record-breaking performances.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
