With the ongoing curling season in full swing and the world-championship season approaching in March, World Curling has announced its intention to host the women’s world championship in the United Arab Emirates in mid-March. The federation is also considering holding the men’s world championship in the same region.
While the specific location for the championships has not been disclosed, World Curling’s head of communications, Chris Hamilton, confirmed that advanced discussions are underway with the United Arab Emirates for hosting the World Women’s Championship this season. These discussions also encompass broader opportunities for growth in the region, including the potential hosting of a world men’s championship in the future, regional championships, and educational programs offered by the World Curling Academy.
Although the plan is to hold the women’s world championship in the UAE, no official confirmation has been made yet. Typically, world championships are hosted annually in Canada, alternating between women’s and men’s events, with other championships taking place in international locations.
On the men’s side, the upcoming world championship is scheduled for late March in St. John, N.B., as announced over a year ago to allow sufficient time for preparation. Notably, hosting a curling event of this scale in the Middle East, a region marked by instability due to ongoing conflicts and flight disruptions, is unprecedented.
World Curling acknowledges the challenges associated with hosting a championship in the Middle East but remains committed to proceeding with plans in the UAE. Hamilton emphasized the importance of addressing these considerations in contractual discussions, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
Amidst uncertainties surrounding the host location and logistics, top female curling teams are eagerly awaiting updates on where the women’s world championship will take place this season. Swiss curler Alina Patz, a six-time world champion, expressed the difficulties faced by athletes in planning for the event amidst uncertainties, particularly regarding travel arrangements and preparations due to the ongoing war situation in the region.
Curling Canada is closely monitoring the situation and awaiting further details from World Curling regarding the 2027 world women’s curling championship. No definitive timeline has been set for announcing the host location, with the women’s world curling championship scheduled for March 13-21.