Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has reaffirmed that Dubai's year-round sporting calendar has established the city as a preferred global destination for sports and athletes from around the world. Speaking on the eve of the 13th edition of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the event's role as a meeting place for athletes across various disciplines, drawing over 11,000 participants this year and reinforcing Dubai's commitment to welcoming athletes.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, organized by the Dubai Sports Council, will be held from 18 February to 7 March 2026 at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex. Since its inception in 2013, the tournament has attracted over 60,000 amateur, professional, and special needs athletes from diverse nationalities, awarding prize money exceeding AED60.5 million. It has become an annual highlight, fostering positivity and promoting sport as a way of life, while showcasing Dubai's status as a global sporting hub.
The tournament's growth is evident from its initial edition in 2013, which saw participation from over 1,500 athletes competing in five sports. By its third edition in 2015, participation had increased to 4,000 athletes in seven sports, including futsal, volleyball, padel tennis, and more. Continuing this trend, the sixth edition in 2018 included over 6,000 participants in 11 sports such as jiu-jitsu and 3x3 basketball.
Even with a suspension in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament rebounded in 2021 with 2,500 athletes. Subsequent editions have seen significant growth, with the 2023 edition featuring over 5,000 athletes from 103 nationalities, and the 2025 edition attracting nearly 8,000 participants in 11 sports, including a unique laser run event. This continued expansion highlights the tournament's role in encouraging community engagement and promoting sportsmanship among diverse groups.