FIFA’s Infantino taps Dubai to host top soccer awards in 2026

World soccer chief Gianni Infantino said today that Dubai will host the FIFA Best Awards next year, providing support as the UAE seeks a higher profile in global sports.

Infantino, President of soccer’s FIFA governing body, made the announcement while speaking at the Dubai World Sports Summit, which has brought together top figures from sports, business and government for a two-day conference to mull the commercial future of athletic competition.

“I can announce here a new partnership we have closed together to honor the best players, coaches and teams, here in Dubai,” Infantino said. This year’s FIFA Best Awards were announced earlier this month in Qatar, where France forward Ousmane Dembélé and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí were named the top men’s and women’s players.

The UAE is trying to boost its visibility on the international sports calendar amid the success Saudi Arabia and Qatar have shown in hosting major events. The 2022 FIFA World Cup was held in Doha and Saudi Arabia will host in 2034.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohamed, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, opened the summit, which is taking place at Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah conference center. Bahrain’s Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifawon the Arab Sports Personality Award at the World Sports Summit in Dubai. Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad, Crown Prince of the Northern emirate of Fujairah, won the UAE Sports Personality Award. 

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, son of Dubai’s ruler, led the Beyond Developments Globe Soccer Awards held on Sunday evening in Dubai at which Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr team,won the best Middle Eastern player award. Paris Saint-Germain forwardOusmane Dembélé was crowned Best Men’s Player and FC Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí Bonmatí was named Best Women’s Player.