Dubai to Host the Inaugural Beach World Series
A New Era for Beach Volleyball
The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has revealed that Dubai will serve as the permanent opening location for the newly created Beach World Series, set to launch in November 2026. This significant announcement was made during the World Sports Summit, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Dubai Sports Council and FIVB.
Dubai: A Hub for International Sports
Dubai’s selection as the inaugural host underscores its growing reputation as a premier destination for major international sporting events. His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, reiterated this sentiment, emphasizing the international trust in Dubai’s capability to both launch and sustain high-caliber sports events.
He remarked, “Dubai’s designation as the permanent global opening venue for this new championship speaks to the success of its vision in enhancing the sports sector. This achievement is a direct result of our ongoing investments in advanced infrastructure and strategic collaborations with international federations.”
Strategic Partnership
The MoU was signed in the presence of prominent figures including Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, and Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the council. Guido Betti, Chief Business Officer of Volleyball World, and Eisa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council, formalized the agreement. This partnership marks the beginning of a five-year collaborative initiative aimed at advancing beach volleyball on a global scale.
Transforming the Sports Landscape
Dubai will set a precedent by becoming the first city globally to consistently host the opening stop of the Beach World Series. This initiative aims to create a new benchmark in organizing international championships that merge elite competitive sports with unique entertainment offerings, showcasing local identity and culture.
“This initiative will establish an advanced model for beach volleyball championships, blending top-tier performance with a vibrant beach experience,” Sheikh Mansoor noted. The event promises an interactive atmosphere with music, audience participation, and a range of accompanying activities, enriching the overall spectator experience.
A Global Celebration of Beach Volleyball
Scheduled to commence in November 2026, the Beach World Series aims to redefine international sporting events. It seeks to offer athletes and fans an exceptional experience, merging high-level athletic performance with the cultural offerings of each host city.
The global series will bring together ten carefully selected sports and entertainment destinations, each contributing its unique personality and charm to the celebration of beach volleyball — both as a competitive sport and a shared cultural experience.
Embracing Local Culture
Khalfan Juma Belhoul expressed optimism about the event’s potential, stating, “We view the Beach World Series as a remarkable opportunity for cities to reflect their identity through the sport of beach volleyball. This event promises to create memorable experiences that can transform how athletes, local enthusiasts, and visitors engage with the sport.”
This vision extends beyond mere competition; it aims to deliver an integrated beach experience that is appealing on a global scale.
Unwavering Commitment to Excellence
Michael Payne, Chairman of Volleyball World, highlighted Dubai’s emergence as a leading destination for tourism, entertainment, and significant events. He remarked on the city’s impressive sports infrastructure and ambitious vision for the future. As the format and presentation of elite beach volleyball evolve, Dubai stands as the ideal founding location for the Beach World Series, embodying the ambition and potential that this new global initiative represents.
Looking Ahead
The partnership will see additional host cities announced in the coming months, expanding the Beach World Series into a worldwide sports and entertainment phenomenon. As this collaboration takes shape, beach volleyball enthusiasts and fans from around the globe eagerly await what promises to be a pioneering celebration of sport and culture.
