Dubai Games 2026 set to ignite competition with 239 teams and Dh4 million prize pool
More than 1,600 athletes to compete across five categories
DUBAI – Under the patronage of His Highness 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, the seventh edition of the Dubai Games will begin on Thursday.
The four-day tournament runs until 15 February, bringing together 239 teams and more than 1,600 athletes in one of the region’s most prominent team-based sporting events. With a prize pool exceeding Dh4 million, Dubai Games 2026 reinforces its position as a flagship fixture on the emirate’s sporting calendar.
Held in official partnership with DP World, the event is supported by Diamond Partners DAMAC, Emirates Petroleum Company (Emarat), and Beyond Developments; Gold Partners Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, and Unilabs Middle East; alongside Strategic Partner Dubai Sports Council. The broad partnership network reflects the scale and stature the tournament has achieved since its launch.
Battle of the Cities
For the third consecutive year, the Games will open with the Cities bonus-points challenge at Burj Khalifa. Scheduled for today, the challenge will see all 56 teams competing in the Battle of the Cities race up the staircase of the world’s tallest building. The vertical test offers 16 bonus points, which will count towards overall standings ahead of the main Battle of the Cities competition.
This year marks the highest number of participating cities since the tournament’s inception, underlining its growing international reach. The Burj Khalifa challenge has become one of the most anticipated curtain-raisers, combining endurance, speed and tactical pacing within one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks.
Battle of the Government
The main competitions commence on Thursday with the Battle of the Government. Day One will feature two heats of the Men’s Battle of the Government starting at 3pm, with qualifying teams progressing towards the finals scheduled for 15 February.
Action intensifies on Friday with the third heat of the Men’s Battle of the Government at 3pm. Later that evening, at 6:40pm, the Battle of the Community takes centre stage. A total of 27 qualifying teams, alongside defending champions AJ Team, will compete across eight demanding obstacle zones. The course is designed to test teamwork, physical strength and strategic decision-making, requiring precise coordination under pressure.
On Saturday, the focus shifts to the Women’s Battle of the Government, with 21 teams competing from 9am. The same afternoon will feature two additional heats of the Battle of the Cities from 3pm, further building momentum ahead of finals day. The expanding international participation highlights Dubai Games’ evolution into a globally recognised team challenge.
Finals day
The tournament concludes on Sunday with a full programme of finals and junior competition. Proceedings begin at 8am with the Battle of the Juniors, where 56 teams will compete across two heats. The junior course mirrors elements of the adult challenges, adapted to suit younger participants’ age groups and capabilities.
Finals will then follow in succession: the Women’s Battle of the Government at 3pm, the Men’s Battle of the Government at 4:30pm, and the Battle of the Community final at 6pm. The Battle of the Cities final is scheduled for 7:30pm, before the awards ceremony brings the competition programme to a close.
Winning teams will share a prize pool exceeding Dh4 million. Awards will be distributed among the top three teams in the Men’s and Women’s Battle of the Government, the Battle of the Community and the Battle of the Juniors, as well as the top 10 teams in the Battle of the Cities category.
Dubai Games
The Dubai Games Organising Committee has highlighted the tournament’s continued emphasis on community participation and active lifestyles. The 2026 edition introduces a refreshed schedule aligned with the slogan ‘Ignite, Unite, Battle’, underscoring the importance of planning, clear role allocation and timely decision-making.
Beyond the competitive arena, the event will feature a range of spectator activations aimed at enhancing the overall experience. Family-friendly activities and daily prize draws are planned throughout the four days, with participants offered the chance to win one of three cars alongside other valuable prizes.