Alkhobar to Host World Firefighters Games 2026

Saudi Arabia is set to host the 16th World Firefighters Games in Alkhobar from 5 to 13 November 2026, in what organizers describe as the largest edition in the event's history. The biennial international competition is expected to draw more than 7,000 participants and around 200,000 spectators from over 70 countries, competing across 56 sporting disciplines.

Organized and hosted locally by Aramco in the Eastern Province, the Games will spread competitions and activities across Alkhobar and Dammam. Core firefighter events include the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) challenge, the Bucket Brigade, firefighter combat and obstacle courses, stair climbs, and a range of endurance and strength contests, alongside a program of more than 50 sports and firefighter-specific challenges.

Running alongside the competitions, a Fire & Safety Expo and a Health & Wellness Expo will take place at Dhahran Expo in the Alkhobar area from 6 to 8 November 2026. The exhibitions will focus on occupational health and safety, functional fitness, performance and recovery, health technology and innovation, and firefighter training and safety initiatives.

Who can take part

Participation is open to active and retired firefighters, both professional and volunteer, from any country. Eligibility requires proof of firefighter status and a medical certificate confirming fitness to compete. Registration is completed online through the official Games website, with the registration portal scheduled to open in November 2025. The fee will cover participation in selected sports as well as access to the opening and closing ceremonies and social events.

For the Eastern Province community, the Games represent one of the region's largest international gatherings of first responders, bringing thousands of visitors to Alkhobar and Dammam and offering residents the chance to watch elite firefighter athletes compete over nine days. Detailed registration fees and spectator ticket prices had not yet been publicly confirmed at the time of writing.

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