The UAE Winter Sports Federation has officially secured hosting rights for the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, Division II, Group A, set to take place in April 2026.
The announcement was made during the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) General Assembly in Stockholm, held from May 22–25, with participation from 84 nations.
The UAE’s bid received overwhelming support, winning out over competing nations thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and strong logistical framework—key factors that convinced the majority of voting delegates that the Emirates is ready to deliver a successful and globally recognized event.
Hamel Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Vice President of the UAE Winter Sports Federation and head of the delegation, praised the achievement as a reflection of the country’s leadership and ongoing support from key bodies, including the Ministry of Sports, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, President of the UAE Winter Sports Federation.
