Dubai is set to host the OCEANMAN World Final Championship from 5 to 7 December, in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council, at Kite Beach, where more than 2,800 swimmers from 93 nationalities will compete across men’s, women’s, and children’s categories. The field includes Olympic champions and more than 1,200 national champions from around the world, with 80 percent of participants arriving from outside the UAE specifically to take part in the event.

Details of the championship were announced during a press conference held at the Dubai Sports Council headquarters. Speakers included Issa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council. Fermín Egido, Chairman of the Organizing Committee. Ukrainian Olympic champion Mykhailo Romanchuk, winner of a silver and bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with three Olympic appearances, a world championship gold, a Youth Olympic gold in 2014, six European Championship golds, and numerous other medals. Olympic swimmer Leonie Beck, who has earned multiple medals in World and European Championships between 2018 and 2024 and has competed in three Olympic Games.

Issa Sharif said the Council is pleased to once again host the OCEANMAN Championship. He described it as one of the world’s leading open water swimming events, held in more than 20 countries, noting that Dubai has successfully hosted previous editions and remains one of the most attractive stops for athletes due to its infrastructure and beautiful beaches. He added that the steady rise in participation reflects the growth of open water swimming in the region.

Sharif said this year’s finals are the largest in the history of the OCEANMAN series, with more than 2,800 swimmers from various categories and nationalities. He added that the participation of Olympic and world champions confirms Dubai’s status as a preferred destination for global sports stars. He explained that the wide participation demonstrates strong confidence in Dubai’s ability to host major events to the highest international standards.

He concluded that the championship contributes to the diversity of sports in the emirate and enriches Dubai’s year-round sporting calendar. He added that the event strengthens partnerships with the private sector in organizing high-quality events attracting residents and visitors. He highlighted that such cooperation supports the development of the sports sector and encourages healthy lifestyles, while also promoting Dubai’s sports and tourism landmarks that have become a point of interest for participants and audiences from around the world.

Fermín Egido thanked the Dubai Sports Council for its continued support in hosting the event in Dubai, which he described as an exceptional city and one of the world’s most appealing destinations for tourists and athletes. He said this is the second time Dubai hosts the OCEANMAN World Finals and the fifth time it hosts an OCEANMAN qualifier. He noted that each edition sees an impressive number of participants, precise organization and outstanding beaches.

Egido said this year’s championship will feature a group of elite world athletes. The women’s field includes Barbara Pozzobon, Giulia Gabbrielleschi, Clémence Coccordano, Bettina Fábián, Angélica André, Georgia Makri, Rachele Bruni, Caroline Jouisse, Rebecca Mann and Brooke Travis. The men’s field includes Logan Fontaine, Axel Reymond, Andrea Filadelli, Domenico Acerenza, Logan Vanhuys, Ilario Giuseppe, Dario Verani, Marcel Schouten, Jean-Marie Pacôme and Bailey Armstrong.

Professional competitions will begin on Friday, 5 December. Team, sprint and children’s races will take place on Sunday, 6 December. Races for qualifiers from different countries will be held over distances of 10 kilometers and 5 kilometers.

Mykhailo Romanchuk expressed his great happiness to be in Dubai. He said he has attended the event for the past five years and discovers something new in the city each time. He noted that the number of participants continues to grow annually across all levels and nationalities.

Leonie Beck said her presence in Dubai means a great deal to her, noting that this is her first visit. She said she is very happy to be in the city, describing it as more beautiful and larger than she had expected. She added that she made sure not to waste a single moment during her stay so she could enjoy everything the city offers. She said she is confident that competitors will have an exceptional experience in Dubai and enjoy racing along its beautiful beaches.