Dubai is about to serve up something big on the global sports stage. The Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has announced Dubai as the permanent opening destination of its brand-new international championship, the Beach World Series, which will launch for the first time in November 2026.

The announcement was made during the World Sports Summit, following the signing of a five-year strategic partnership between the Dubai Sports Council and FIVB, a move that further cements Dubai’s reputation as a leading host of major global sporting events.

A new model for global sport

Under the agreement, Dubai will become the first city in the world to host a permanent opening stop of the Beach World Series, setting a new benchmark for global championships that combine elite competition with entertainment, culture, and fan engagement.

The series introduces an innovative format that blends high-level beach volleyball with music, interactive experiences, and a vibrant beach atmosphere, offering something beyond traditional sporting events.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of senior officials from the Dubai Sports Council, with signatures from Guido Betti, Chief Business Officer of Volleyball World, and Eisa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council.

Ten global destinations

The Beach World Series will span 10 international destinations, each bringing its own identity and local flavour to the competition. Dubai’s role as the opening city positions it at the heart of this global journey, showcasing beach volleyball as both an elite sport and a shared cultural experience.

Additional host cities are expected to be announced in the coming months as the Beach World Series expands across globally recognised sports and entertainment hubs.

Fireworks, flair and firsts, DP World ILT20 Season 4 delivered a finale to remember as the Desert Vipers lifted their maiden title, crushing MI Emirates by 46 runs at a packed Dubai International Stadium.

While the trophy glittered, the spotlight also shone brightly on the league’s iconic signature belts, with star performances keeping fans guessing right up to the final ball.

Leading the charge was Desert Vipers captain Sam Curran, who produced a season for the ages, sweeping both the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and the Green Belt (Best Batter). Calm under pressure and devastating with the bat, Curran’s unbeaten 74 in the final sealed the Vipers’ historic triumph and underlined his status as the league’s standout performer.

The Vipers walked away not just with silverware but a $700,000 winners’ purse and the Black Belt, while runners-up MI Emirates earned $300,000 for another strong campaign.

Red Belt: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)

Curran piled up 397 runs, while snapping seven wickets, taking 10 catches and finishing with a tournament-high 691 points. It was dominance, delivered with leadership.

Green Belt: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)

With 397 runs at a strike rate of 135, Curran topped the batting charts, smashing 17 sixes and proving clutch when it mattered most.

White Belt: Waqar Salamkheil (Dubai Capitals)

Spin wizard Waqar Salamkheil claimed the bowling honours with 18 wickets at an economy of 7.66, earning his second White Belt in ILT20 history.

Blue Belt: Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates)

UAE stalwart Muhammad Waseem continued his incredible run, securing the Blue Belt for a fourth straight season after scoring 370 runs at a strike rate of 132.

With unforgettable moments, top performances, and a champion crowned, DP World ILT20 Season 4 once again proved why it’s one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world of cricket.

The Desert Vipers etched their name into DP World ILT20 history on Sunday night, lifting their first-ever league title after a commanding 46-run victory over MI Emirates at a packed Dubai International Stadium.

Led by an outstanding all-round performance from captain Sam Curran, the Vipers posted a competitive 182 for 4 before bowling MI Emirates out for 136 in 18.3 overs to seal the crown emphatically.

Curran starred with an unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes, anchoring the innings after early wickets. He found solid support from Max Holden (41) and Dan Lawrence (23) as the Vipers finished strongly in the death overs.

In response, MI Emirates never truly found momentum. The Vipers’ bowlers struck early and often, with Naseem Shah (3/18) setting the tone, while Usman Tariq (2/20) and Khuzaima Tanveer (2/22) applied the squeeze through the middle overs. David Payne’s late three-wicket burst shut the door on any hopes of a comeback.

The final was preceded by a spectacular pre-match build-up, featuring a dazzling fireworks display and a choreographed drone show that lit up the Dubai skyline, creating a carnival atmosphere befitting the season’s biggest night.

Curran capped off a dream tournament by claiming both the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and Green Belt (Best Batter) awards. He finished the season with 397 runs, three half-centuries, seven wickets and 10 catches, underlining his influence throughout the campaign.

MI Emirates showed brief resistance through Shakib Al Hasan (36) and Kieron Pollard (28), but early wickets and mounting required run rates proved too much to overcome.

With the win, the Desert Vipers walked away with the $700,000 winner’s prize and the Black Belt, while MI Emirates earned $300,000 as runners-up.

Speaking after the match, Curran said the title was a reward for consistency:

“We’ve been the most consistent team this season and I think we deserve the trophy. Finals bring nerves, but the group showed real character tonight.”

MI Emirates skipper Kieron Pollard admitted his side fell short on the night: “We weren’t sharp enough early on. In finals, those small moments make the difference. The Vipers deserved to win.”