The BRICS International Football Alliance (BIFA) held its first-ever Council Meeting at the BIFA+ Global Headquarters in the UAE, marking a milestone in its mission to advance football diplomacy and cooperation across the Global South.

The session, attended by official representatives from China, underscored the strengthening partnership between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China in promoting sports, cultural, and technological exchange under the BIFA & BIFA+ framework.

Held under the theme “Deepening Sports Synergy and Promoting Diversified Development,” the meeting reviewed BIFA’s achievements since its establishment and outlined a bold strategic roadmap for 2026–2027, driving collaboration among BRICS and BRICS+ nations.

2026: BRICS Football International Village to debut in UAE

Next year, BIFA+ will launch the BRICS Football International Village at its UAE headquarters,  an integrated “sports, culture, health, and innovation” hub designed to foster collaboration and showcase the spirit of the Global South.

The initiative will connect regional headquarters in the UAE, China, Russia, Brazil, India, and South Africa, and feature cultural exhibitions, AI innovation forums, and the BRICS Football Cup Invitational Tournament, culminating in the BIFA+ Global Launch Ceremony in the UAE.

2027: China to host expanded BRICS Cup activities

In 2027, as China hosts the BRICS Summit, the country will also welcome the BRICS Cup Football Tournament, bringing together champion city teams from across member nations.

Ms. Wang Min, Chair of BIFA China, said the tournament will blend “Football + Urban Culture + New Media” – using digital storytelling and live engagement to make the BRICS Cup a globally recognised cultural sporting event.

A global platform for unity and innovation

BIFA’s development strategy is built around its “three-wheel drive”, sports, culture, and technology, ensuring sustainable growth and collaboration among BRICS nations.

Salem Almazaini, Founder and President of BIFA & BIFA+, said: “From our headquarters in the UAE, BIFA will use football as a vessel to deepen cooperation among BRICS and BRICS+ nations across sports, culture, health, and digital innovation.”

Founded under the guidance of Larisa Zelentsova, President of the International Alliance of BRICS Strategic Projects (Russia), BIFA continues to grow as a bridge between nations, using football as a language of diplomacy and sustainable development.

Dubai is gearing up for another world-class milestone. Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion is almost complete, and it’s on track to transform the city’s events scene when doors open in early 2026.

Located in Expo City Dubai, the mega venue will soon become the largest purpose-built indoor exhibition and events complex in the region, adding a massive 140,000 square metres of space to Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC) growing portfolio.

The first two events confirmed

Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo 2026 (formerly Arab Health),  two powerhouse global events that will officially christen the new space when it opens next year.

“The expansion reflects Dubai’s ability to deliver international events with precision and scale,” said Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC. 

“We’re ready to welcome the world and ensure every exhibitor and visitor enjoys an exceptional experience.”

Bigger, smarter, and built for the future

Phase 1 of the Dh10 billion project includes 64,000 sqm of permanent exhibition halls and 30,000 sqm of flexible pavilion space, enough to host up to 50,000 visitors a day.

The new pavilions, directly connected to the main halls and central plaza, are designed to handle major international shows like Gulfood and the World Health Expo. Visitors can expect outdoor terraces, food and beverage zones, and activation areas, blending business with Dubai’s signature hospitality.

A seamless journey between venues

Getting there will be a breeze. A citywide transport and mobility plan,  developed with Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police, ensures smooth connections between DWTC and Expo City.

The Dubai Metro Red Line takes visitors straight to the Expo 2020 Station, while a network of 30 express shuttles will connect DWTC and DEC during major events. Inside Expo City, 80 shuttle services will circulate continuously between parking areas and event zones.

Designed for the experience economy

Beyond the scale, DEC is designed for more than just business; it’s built for experience. Expect a festival-style setup during Dubai’s cooler months, complete with open-air plazas, food trucks, and smart mini-markets.

Expo City’s own dining scene adds to the vibe, offering cafes, international restaurants, and al fresco terraces, all within walking distance of the venue. With 5G-ready connectivity, energy-efficient systems, and future-proof infrastructure, DEC aims to redefine how large-scale events feel

As the countdown to 2026 begins, one thing’s certain: the world’s biggest names in food, health, and trade will soon have a spectacular new stage, right here in Dubai.

The DP World International League T20 concluded its first-of-its-kind Mascot Design Competition this week. The competition was held from 4 July to 21 September. 

The competition captured the imagination of students across the UAE. With an overwhelming number of entries, the activation demonstrated the extraordinary creativity, enthusiasm, and energy that cricket inspires among young minds, making it a truly nationwide celebration of sport, culture, and community. 

The grand mascot unveiling was held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha. The winning student, Levin Veeroy Fernandes, was officially announced, and his imaginative design (Habibi and Habibti) was transformed into the official mascot of the DP World ILT20, now set to become the face of the league for seasons to come. 

The event featured an exciting reveal ceremony, with the student’s design brought to life and presented in front of a vibrant audience, celebrating not only Levin’s creativity but also the remarkable participation of schools and students across the UAE. 

The DP World ILT20 extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a resounding success. Each entry brought unique ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the league’s commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating the spirit of cricket. 

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “On behalf of team DP World International League T20, I want to thank all the participants for their efforts. For us, all of you are winners, we are delighted with the interest that the competition created across the UAE. 

“The DP World ILT20 is all about UAE and the development of the sport amongst present and future generations of cricketers. Sport and cricket in particular has helped bring together a number of communities and nationalities across the UAE. Cricket has a four-decade long legacy in the country and with the continued growth of the league, the future of cricket not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region is bright and exciting.”  

Indian High Schools Group CEO Shri Punit MK Vasu: “Our partnership with DP World ILT20 presents a remarkable platform for our learners to witness world-class cricket in Dubai while embracing the deeper lessons the sport imparts.  

“At The Indian High Group of Schools, we uphold the belief that cricket’s enduring spirit fosters respect, discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and composure under pressure, values that cultivate not only accomplished athletes, but also well-rounded, future-ready individuals prepared to lead with integrity, ethics and purpose in a global arena.” 

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.