Dubai 2026 Grand Prix: Preview, stars and how to watch

The 2026 season of the World Para Athletics Grand Prix is set to roll out in Dubai, with 398 athletes (276 male and 122 female athletes) from 46 nations keen to open the season in style and set to be in action over the next four days (10-13 February).

Dubai has been a regular stop on the WPA calendar since its inaugural season in 2013 and also hosted the World Championships in 2019.

The season-opening Grand Prix will be held at its traditional Dubai Club for People of Determination grounds – the same venue that hosted the athletes’ events of the 5th Asian Youth Para Games two months ago. The 400-metre blue Mondo track remains the highlight feature of the venue.

International names

The international line-up appears strong, with several Paris 2024 medallists ready to open the season in Dubai.

Although a few regular names, including legendary Swiss wheelchair racers Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner, will be missing, India has brought its top Paralympic stars in a 50-member squad.

The line-up includes reigning Paralympic champion javelin throwers Sumit Antil (F64) and Navdeep (F41), along with two-time Paris 2024 medallist Preeti Pal and Simran, the Paralympic bronze medallist in the women’s 200m T12.

Antil returns to a venue where he has fond memories, including a world record at the World Para Athletics Championships in 2019. “Last year, I competed in only two competitions apart from the at the New Delhi 2025 World Championships. I felt I needed to compete more, as I am still experimenting with how to achieve greater distance during competition. I will attempt to achieve the goals I missed last year.

“In 2019, I threw 62 metres for a world record here, and I hope I can begin with 70 metres tomorrow,” said the two-time Paralympic champion and current world record holder at 73.29 metres in the men’s javelin throw F64.

Belgium’s Maxime Carabin (men's 100m and 400m T52), a two-time Paris 2024 champion and five-time world champion, along with Canada’s Austin Smeenk, the reigning Paralympic gold medallist in the men’s 800m T34, are the top European names to watch.

Get ready, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year!
9️⃣ Grand Prix events are on the calendar across four different continents 🌎

The season kicks off on 10 February in Dubai!
#ParaAthletics pic.twitter.com/FHkNFov966

— Para Athletics (@ParaAthletics) January 7, 2026

Home stars

The home team, UAE, will be represented by 65 athletes, including several world and Paralympic medallists. Youngster Mohammed Youssef Othman, bronze medallist at the New Delhi 2025 World Championships in men's 100m T34, will lead the home campaign on the track.

The women’s campaign will be spearheaded by Rio 2016 medallists Sara Aljneibi (women’s shot put F33), Noura Alktebi (women’s shot put F32), and Kobe 2024 world champion Maryam Alzeyoudi (women’s shot put F40).

“My preparations have been good for the new season. I am aiming for a strong performance at the home event and throughout the season ahead. The Asian Para Games in Nagoya will be the main target,” said Othman ahead of the event.

Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said: “Since its launch in 2009, the Fazza Para Athletics Championships have continued to set high standards. Following the successful staging of the Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games, this edition carries an added responsibility for organisers to deliver excellence at every level.”

Majid Al-Usaimi, Director of the Championships, said: “Through sustained commitment over the years, the Fazza International Championships have empowered the People of Determination to excel and fully integrate into society, while consistently providing a platform to share inspiring sporting stories.”

Where to watch?

Follow all the action from the Dubai 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix live on DCD YouTube channel.

Complete schedule and results are available here.

WPA 2026 Grand Prix calendar

Dubai (UAE): 10-13 February
New Delhi (India): 11-13 March
Rabat (Morocco): 23-25 April
Jalisco (Mexico): 8-11 May
Nottwil (Switzerland): 21-23 May
Tunis (Tunisia): 16-19 June
Olomouc Women’s GP (Czechia): 2-4 July
Cali (Colombia): 17-20 September