The event will be held at the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) has announced the capital city to host the 15th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in December for the first time in history.
There are less than eight months to go until the best short-course swimmers from across the globe descend on the country for what promises to be a spectacular occasion.
Made up of 44 different swimming events, the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) will be held at the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena – the UAE’s largest multi-purpose indoor entertainment venue, which opened in 2020 and is located on Yas Island.
The official brand logo for the Championships, which celebrates Abu Dhabi’s pearl diving heritage, has also been revealed to mark the announcement of the event.
Taking place from 16 to 21 December 2021, the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) will showcase the very best in aquatic talent, providing both local and international fans with the opportunity to watch top-quality competitive swimming action in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
Originally scheduled for 2020, the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) will feature men’s and women’s events in all four strokes – freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly – along with the individual medley and relays.
Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to bring the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) to Abu Dhabi later this year.
“This is set to be a huge event for Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and the UAE, with over 1,000 of the most talented short-course swimmers from around the world, fresh from the Olympic Games in Tokyo, showcasing their abilities in what we expect to be an exciting competition.
“This World Championship event will further strengthen the emirate’s unique sporting offering, enhancing its reputation as a top global destination for sport, entertainment, leisure and business.”
Qualifying events
To coincide with the announcement of the event, the official FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) brand logo, which symbolises the past and present, has today been revealed.
Inspired by Abu Dhabi’s pearl diving heritage, the logo features a swimmer constructed from pearls who is powering through the water, which is representative of both the city’s proud history and the competitive nature of the tournament itself.
The main FINA events, in conjunction with television partners, are broadcast in over 211 territories, reaching a huge global audience.
Tasked with overseeing the development of many aquatic disciplines, including swimming, diving, and water polo, FINA celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2018.
Qualifying events for the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) will take place in Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania over the coming months, giving short-course swimmers around the world a chance to secure their spot at the Abu Dhabi competition.
The event, however, is not just for swimming fans, with the “Market Street” set to feature fantastic entertainment and a host of family-friendly activities, along with cultural learning experiences and delicious food and beverage outlets for everybody to enjoy.
Both Dubai and Doha have previously staged the competition, in 2010 and 2014 respectively, while other host cities include Rio de Janeiro (1995), Indianapolis (2004), Manchester (2008) and Istanbul (2012).
Source UAE News Agency – WAM: Tariq alfaham/Hatem Mohamed
