Bodybuilding

World Bodybuilding Championship Set for Fujairah in June 2026

The World Bodybuilding Championship is scheduled to take place in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, in June 2026. The event will be held at the Zayed Sports Complex and is expected to feature over 1,000 athletes from 146 countries.

Preparations and Venue

Preparations for the championship are already underway as Fujairah gears up to host this significant event. The Zayed Sports Complex has been selected as the venue, praised for its outstanding infrastructure. An International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) delegation awarded it full marks, reflecting confidence in its capacity to host an event of this magnitude.

Organizational Expertise

The International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) and the Emirates Bodybuilding Federation are responsible for organizing the event. Their collaboration is backed by past successful events hosted in the UAE, particularly in Dubai. The IFBB Mr. and Ms. World Championship will be a highlight of the event, with Sheikh Abdullah, President of the Emirates Bodybuilding Federation, and Dr. Rafael Santoga, President of the IFBB, focusing on promoting sportsmanship and healthy lifestyles.

International Participation and Recognition

With athletes from 146 countries expected to compete, the championship promises to be a global spectacle. The participation of 920 athletes from 116 countries in previous events has set a precedent for a high level of competition and diversity. The event has been praised for its organization and technical standards, with international judging led by Jose Maria and seven Emirati international judges officiating.

Future Events and Legacy

Fujairah's successful bid to host the World Bodybuilding Championship underscores the emirate's growing reputation in the global sports arena. The Asian Championship is also planned to be held in the UAE in 2027, further cementing the region's status as a hub for international sporting events. Engineer Mohammed Obaid bin Majed, Chairman, and Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, who attended the closing ceremony of previous events, have been instrumental in promoting Fujairah as a prime location for such global achievements in sports.

“The World Bodybuilding Championship in Fujairah is not just an event but a celebration of athleticism and international camaraderie,” noted Sheikh Abdullah.

The forthcoming championship in 2026 is poised to build on the legacy of previous events, reinforcing the UAE's position as a trusted host in the international bodybuilding community.