Dubai does not do small events. It goes big or not at all. And the Dubai Games 2026 can demonstrate it again. In its 7th edition, the action team game comes back with the support of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The number of teams and athletes participating in this year is 239, and over 1,600 are going to challenge their boundaries between 12 and 15 February.
Dubai Games 2026 Returns For Its 7th Edition
In a report by Gulf News, the Games are still increasing in size and international coverage and establishing themselves as one of the team sporting events of the region.
Developed in official collaboration with DP World and with the assistance of major organisations of the UAE, the event has turned into a serious event on the sporting calendar of the city of Dubai.
The Staircase Challenge At Burj Khalifa
The Cities bonus challenge has been running in its third consecutive year in the burj khalifa, a symbolic place.
Fifty-six global teams were competing on the tallest building in the world. No shortcuts. No elevators. Just stairs and stamina. The prize? Sixteen bonus points, which may alter end of week standings.
Government Teams Shine Through The Limelight
Since 12 February, the attention has passed on to the Men Battle of the Government. Two heats will begin at 3 pm, and the strongest teams will go to the finals on 15 February.
Even the next day is even hotter. Heat 3 of men’s races starts at 3 pm, followed by the Battle of the Community at 6:40 pm. Eight obstacle zones will be encountered by twenty-seven qualifying teams, as well as defending champions AJ Team. These are the problems that require that muscle. The teams are required to think quickly, communicate effectively and act as a team.
The Women battle of Government takes centre stage on 14 February at 9 am. A total of twenty-one teams will be in the competition to get to the finals. In the afternoon, later the same day, two further heats of the Battle of the Cities further drive home the fact of the internationalism which has taken over this event.
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Juniors Step Up On Finals Day
The last day, 15 February, is a grey day. At 8 am, 56 junior teams will be competing in courses that are based on the adult competitions. These barriers are challenging yet geared towards younger competitors. Expect energy. Expect noise. Expect proud parents.
Then come the finals. Women’s Government at 3 pm. Men’s Government at 4:30 pm. Community final at 6 pm. Cities final at 7:30 pm. The curtain then comes down with the awards ceremony.
And the stakes? A reward fund of more than AED 4 million. The leading three groups in the Government categories, Community, and Juniors will receive major rewards. The best ten teams in the Cities competition will also have a share in the winnings.
Dubai Games is not a regular fitness competition. It is a mix of strategy, strength and national pride in a single arena. Having international teams, sizeable prize money, and the Dubai brand size, this seventh edition seems to set the bar even higher.
Cover Image Courtesy: DXB Media/Website