From high-speed F1 weekends and star-studded UFC fights to basketball showdowns and an equestrian event against the Pyramids, the Middle East is gearing up for a seriously exciting sports season. With some of the world’s biggest sporting names heading to the region, there’s plenty to look forward to over the coming months. Here are the major events to add to your calendar.
UFC 333 — Abu Dhabi, UAE
October 24, 2026
Etihad Arena
Get ready for another major UFC night in Abu Dhabi. UFC 333 is bringing some of the biggest names in MMA to Etihad Arena, with Alex Volkanovski taking on Movsar Evloev in the headline bout, alongside Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili. Expect an action-packed night as Abu Dhabi once again proves it knows how to put on a major fight night.
Longines Global Champions Tour — Cairo, Egypt
October 22–24, 2026
Pyramids of Giza
Horse riding meets one of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks as the Longines Global Champions Tour makes its historic debut in Cairo. As part of a 17-stage tour spanning four continents, the event will bring the world’s top show jumping riders to the Pyramids of Giza for what promises to be quite the backdrop. Because honestly, it doesn’t get much more Egyptian than watching elite equestrian sport with the Pyramids behind you.
Canelo Álvarez vs. Christian Mbilli — Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
October 31, 2026
ANB Arena, Riyadh
Boxing fans, this one is for you. Canelo Álvarez is set to return to Riyadh for another major night of boxing, taking on Christian Mbilli at ANB Arena. The highly anticipated matchup is set to bring one of boxing’s biggest stars back to Saudi Arabia, adding another star-studded fight night to the Kingdom’s growing sports calendar.
Abu Dhabi EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup — Abu Dhabi, UAE
September 18–19, 2026
Etihad Arena
Basketball fans have a big weekend ahead as Abu Dhabi hosts the EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup at Etihad Arena. The Final Four-style tournament will bring together Olympiacos Piraeus, Fenerbahçe, Real Madrid and Dubai Basketball, giving fans two days of top-tier European basketball with a Gulf twist.
Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix — Doha, Qatar
November 27–29, 2026
Lusail International Circuit
Start your engines because F1 is heading back to Qatar. The Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix will take over Lusail International Circuit for a weekend of high-speed racing, a sprint, fan experiences and plenty of off-track excitement. It’s set to be one of the region’s biggest sporting weekends of the year, bringing together racing fans from around the world.
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Abu Dhabi, UAE
December 3–6, 2026
Yas Marina Circuit
And, of course, the Middle East’s F1 season will wrap up in Abu Dhabi. The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is set to return to Yas Marina Circuit for the traditional season finale, bringing three days of racing, entertainment and the famous Abu Dhabi post-race atmosphere. It’s one of the region’s biggest annual sporting and lifestyle events and the perfect way to close out the F1 season.
From high-speed F1 races and star-studded UFC nights to major basketball, boxing and tennis showdowns, the Middle East is gearing up for a packed sports season. With some of the world’s biggest sporting events coming to the region, here are the major events to mark on your calendar.
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