Sheikh Mansoor Opens Dubai Games 2026 as Global Teams Compete

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, attended the opening day competitions of Dubai Games 2026, the city’s leading team sports event.

Now in its seventh edition, Dubai Games 2026 has attracted strong international participation, with 56 cities from around the world taking part. The tournament features more than 1,600 players competing across 239 teams.

During his visit, Sheikh Mansoor praised the teams for their strong performance and high level of physical and mental fitness. He said Dubai continues to be a model city that values sport and encourages it as a way of life for people of all ages and abilities.

Sheikh Mansoor also toured the tournament venues and appreciated the professional organisation of the event. He highlighted the strong coordination between all stakeholders to deliver the Games at a level that matches Dubai’s global reputation for hosting major events.

Men’s Battle of the Government Begins

The first day included two high-energy heats of the Men’s Battle of the Government, held on a newly designed course built to test focus, coordination and team strategy.

The third heat is scheduled for Friday, and qualifying teams from all three heats will advance to the Dubai Games finals on 15 February.

The Organising Committee said the tournament has started strongly, with a high level of competition and outstanding team spirit. The committee added that the Games highlight the importance of teamwork, where success depends on unity, focus and coordination, not individual strength.

Dubai Games 2026: Key Numbers

Dubai Games 2026 includes competitions in the Battles of the Government, Community, Cities, and Juniors.

• Total: 1,600+ players across 239 teams

• Men’s Battle of the Government: 546 players in 78 teams

• Women’s Battle of the Government: 147 players in 21 teams

• Battle of the Community: 195 players in 28 teams

• Battle of the Juniors: 392 players in 56 teams

• Highest international participation: 336 players from 56 global city teams

Official Partners

Dubai Games 2026 is held:

• In Official Partnership with DP World

• In Diamond Partnership with DAMAC, Emirates, and Beyond Developments

• In Gold Partnership with DEWA, Al Ghurair Group, and Unilabs Middle East

• In Strategic Partnership with the Dubai Sports Council

Public Attendance and Family Activities

The Men’s Battle of the Government attracted strong public attendance, creating a lively atmosphere. Alongside the competitions, the event also offered families interactive entertainment activities for all age groups, supporting Dubai Games’ role as a community platform that promotes active lifestyles, wellbeing and social unity.