Dubai: Dubai Sports World (DSW), the region's largest indoor sports and fitness destination, has officially launched its action-packed summer season for 2026. The 16th edition of DSW was inaugurated by Mahir Julfar, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre; Essa Sharif, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council, and representatives from Dubai Police including Major Abdullah Ahmed Al Ammari, Captain Ali Hassan Al Rahma, First Lieutenant Juma Salim Al Maqbal, and Fatima Ahmed Buhajir, Chairman of the Positive Spirit Department. The guest of honour for the opening event was Maryam Alfarsi, the first Emirati female sprinter to compete in an Olympic Games. According to Emirates News Agency, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in association with Dubai Sports Council (DSC), DSW opened on 19 June and runs until 25 August 2026. It offers exciting activities, events, and challenges designed to keep families fit, healthy, and happy throughout the summer. This year's edition features an expanded footprint with more than 40 courts and pitches spanning over 280,000 square feet, offering nine core sporting activities: football, basketball, padel, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, badminton, cricket, and pickleball. Running daily from 8am to midnight at Za'abeel Halls 2 - 6, Dubai Sports World is the ultimate summer destination. It provides a packed calendar of events and activities suitable for all ages and abilities, aimed at enhancing community well-being. Commenting on the launch, Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, emphasized DSW 2026's role in enhancing community well-being by offering accessible and inclusive sporting opportunities throughout the summer. Essa Sharif, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council, highlighted Dubai Sports World's significance as a cornerstone of Dubai's summer sporting calendar. He reflected on its role in strengthening Dubai's position as one of the world's most active and liveable cities while enabling healthier lifestyles and enga ging the community in sports all year round. Fatima Ahmed Buhajir, Chairman of the Positive Spirit Council at Dubai Police, praised DSW for aligning with Dubai Police's vision to enhance happiness and promote a culture of sports among all societal segments. She encouraged public participation in the event, emphasizing its role in providing an integrated environment for physical and recreational activities that strengthen community bonds and instil positive values related to health and physical activity. New additions for 2026 include a 1km indoor running and walking track, ideal for maintaining fitness without enduring outdoor heat. Wolfi's Cycling Academy is also new, offering structured and coached cycling sessions for both beginners and seasoned cyclists. The programme also introduces Orienteering, a sport combining physical activity, navigation, and problem-solving, in collaboration with UAE Orienteering Foundation.