Abu Dhabi to host first-ever Para Swimming World Series in the Middle East

World Para Swimming has reached another important milestone with the announcement of the first-ever Para Swimming World Series in the Middle East this year. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will host the event from 27-29 November, concluding the World Series 2025 season.  

The competition will take place at Mohammed bin Zayed City Aquatics Complex and will be organised by the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and Abu Dhabi Aquatics Club, which have signed a four-year agreement with World Para Swimming to host the World Series through 2028. 

The dates for the World Series Abu Dhabi 2026 have also been confirmed, with the event scheduled for 26-28 November 2026.  

“Five out of this year’s nine Para Swimming World Series hosts are welcoming the event for the first time. We are thrilled to announce that Abu Dhabi is now part of this group, marking the first World Para Swimming competition to take place in the Middle East. This is a testament to the growth and development of our sport and to the work being done across the globe to expand opportunities for athletes,” said Craig Nicholson, Head of World Para Swimming. 

Barcelona (Spain), Fuji-Shizuoka (Japan) and Lima (Peru) also debuted as hosts this season, alongside Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Paris hosted the World Series France for the first time in 2025, serving as a key legacy of last year’s Paralympic Games. 

Following five stops, the World Series 2025 paused as athletes prepare for the Toyota World Para Swimming Championships – Singapore 2025, taking place from 21-27 September. This championships marks another milestone, as it will be the first time the event is held in Asia. 

The World Series will resume in Lima from 23-25 October, before concluding with the grand finale in Abu Dhabi.  

🏆 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗜 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔 𝗦𝗪𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦 🏆

What a season for Brazil’s Gabriel Araujo! 🇧🇷 Not only does he take the Overall Men’s title, but he also claims the crown in the High-Support Needs Men’s category with an outstanding 4229 points. pic.twitter.com/EIY06r1E8B

— Para Swimming (@Para_swimming) December 19, 2024

More information about the Para Swimming World Series 2025 can be found here. 

Launched in 2017, the Para Swimming World Series brings together the world’s elite Para swimmers and emerging talents awarding the best-performing athletes and teams in seven categories:  

Best Overall Female Athlete 

Best Overall Male Athlete 

Best High-Support Needs Female Athlete (classes S/SB 1–3) 

Best High-Support Needs Male Athlete (classes S/SB 1–3) 

Best Female Junior Athlete 

Best Male Junior Athlete 

Best National Paralympic Committee (NPC) 

Click here for the complete list of World Series winners.