DUBAI,— Dubai will host a new annual FIFA World Football Awards, the Emirates News Agency WAM reported, in an announcement made during the World Sports Summit in the city.

The ceremony, set to begin in 2026, will become the only official FIFA awards event to recognize the top players, teams, and achievements in global football each year.

The launch was announced in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also attended the event.

During the summit, FIFA and the Dubai Sports Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their partnership for the awards.

Sheikh Mansoor said the agreement reflects Dubai’s continued cooperation with FIFA and underscores the city’s growing influence in international football.

“The Dubai Sports Council enjoys a strong partnership with FIFA, which has produced numerous initiatives announced from Dubai by Gianni Infantino in recent years,” Sheikh Mansoor said.

“This agreement highlights Dubai’s role in developing football worldwide, honoring exceptional talent, and hosting major sporting events.”

He added that Dubai is fully committed to supporting the growth of global sports, particularly football, and has the resources and infrastructure needed to make a meaningful contribution to the international sports community.

Gianni Infantino welcomed the collaboration, saying, “We are delighted to partner with Dubai, a city passionate about football. These awards will be more than a ceremony; they will celebrate the best in the game on and off the field.”

Details on award categories, nominations, voting procedures, and event dates will be shared in the coming months, WAM reported.

(With files from WAM)

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