The UAE’s bodybuilding and strength sport calendar is set for a busy second half of 2026, with Ajman to host the IFBB World Bodybuilding Championships later this year.
The Emirates Bodybuilding Federation approved its programme for the rest of the season at a meeting chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi.
Top of the list is the world championships in Ajman, due to run from September 30 to October 5. The event is the standout fixture on an agenda that also includes competitions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
The domestic calendar starts to build in July. Abu Dhabi will stage the Star Academy Bodybuilding and Physique Championship, while the University of Sharjah will host the FISU World University Powerlifting Championship from July 22 to 26 in cooperation with the federation.
Later in the year, the federation will launch the Al Majid Championship in November. Dubai will also host the Emirates Championship, a competition the federation sees as an important route for spotting young athletes for UAE national teams.
Other events on the local schedule include the Special Olympics UAE Games for powerlifting in Abu Dhabi, as well as the Binous Classic in Dubai, which has become one of the most prominent meets on the calendar because of its prize fund.
UAE national teams are also due to compete abroad across a range of strength sports. Their international programme includes the Asian Armwrestling Championships in Kyrgyzstan, the Asian Bench Press Championships in Qatar, the World Armwrestling Championships in India, and the Asian Open and Masters Classic and Equipped Powerlifting Championships in Ulaanbaatar.
The programme reflects the federation’s effort to give local athletes more chances to compete at home, while keeping the UAE visible on the international stage.
