Dubai: The UAE Aquatics Federation has announced that the Dubai International Aquatics Championship (DIAC 2026) will occur from 27th March to 6th April 2026 at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai. The event is set to be the largest edition in its history, with over 2,000 athletes from more than 40 countries participating.
According to Emirates News Agency, DIAC 2026 has received official recognition from World Aquatics, ensuring international accreditation for all results. The championship will also serve as a ranking pathway for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, adding to its importance for participating federations and teams worldwide.
The event is organised in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council and will be delivered technically and operationally by Apex Sports Academy, the championship's technical and organisational partner. The programme will feature a wide range of individual events across multiple age categories, adhering to international standards.
For the first time, the Organising Committee has introduced an official DIAC Record Programme. Championship records will be set in selected 50m and 100m events across four strokes, with athletes who break these records receiving financial rewards and certificates.
The championship is expected to attract top talents and national teams from the Arab region, Asia, and Europe, reinforcing Dubai's status as a premier global destination for aquatics competitions in 2026. Abdullah Al-Wuhaibi, Chairman of the UAE Aquatics Federation Steering Committee, highlighted the strategic importance of the event in developing aquatic sports within the UAE, stating that it will mark a significant advancement in organisational and technical standards.
Al-Wuhaibi remarked, "DIAC is not just a competition - it is a global platform for developing champions and showcasing talent. We expect the upcoming edition to witness strong performances and outstanding record-breaking swims."