Dubai: The 2026 edition of the Fazza International Championships for People of Determination is set to commence next week with the Dubai 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix at the Dubai Club for People of Determination. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the championships will assemble 500 athletes from 56 countries, including several Paralympic medallists, reinforcing Dubai's status as a global hub for para sport.
According to Emirates News Agency, the World Para Athletics Grand Prix will be held from 10th to 13th February. The Fazza International Badminton Championships are slated for 5th to 11th May, while the Fazza Para Archery Championships will occur from 7th to 12th November, 2026. Details of the championships were revealed during a press conference, where organisers also introduced official partners and sponsors, including Aura Developers, Dubai Health Authority, Prescott Properties, Dubai Municipality, Beyond Properties, Mai Dubai, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Ibn Sina Pharmacies Group, Al Ain Farms, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Emirates Transport, Dubai Police, and Dubai Civil Defence.
Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Organising Committee, mentioned that the championships were initiated in 2009 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to integrate People of Determination into society through sport. He remarked that the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor has been crucial in the event's growth and success.
Berregad further noted that hosting the 17th Fazza International Para Athletics Grand Prix follows the successful Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games, placing additional responsibility on organisers to uphold high standards. Majid Al-Usaimi, Director of the Fazza International Championships, emphasized that sustained support has empowered People of Determination to excel and integrate into society, showcasing inspiring sporting stories through the championships.
UAE athlete Meera Al-Qassab, part of the 65-member national team competing in the Grand Prix, expressed that the Fazza Championships offer athletes a platform to display their abilities and achieve common goals. Dalia Al-Oloub, Head of Marketing at Aura Developers, stated that the championships have earned a prestigious position globally, reaffirming the company's commitment to supporting community-focused initiatives.