Dubai will host the inaugural FIFA World Football Awards next year, recognizing the top players, coaches, and teams globally. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the partnership during the World Sports Summit, highlighting Dubai’s growing role in international sports.

“We are investing billions in football development worldwide. FIFA aims to involve the entire world,” Infantino said, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent across all 211 member nations. FIFA also provides grants to help countries improve football infrastructure and plans to establish elite talent academies in each member nation by 2027.

Infantino noted that with 100 academies already in operation, Dubai could become the 101st, fostering local talent and boosting the region’s football profile.

The World Sports Summit, held at Madinat Jumeirah, served as the platform for FIFA to underline its global development strategy, aiming to give players everywhere the opportunity to compete at the highest level.