Minifootball World Cup
Sports tourism is gaining momentum in Ras Al Khaimah with the destination named host of the 2023 Minifootball (WMF) World Cup, a mega international football competition held every two years that attracts thousands of spectators and fans from around the globe. Event dates: 26 October – 4 November.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) won the highly competitive bid to stage the 2023 tournament with the World Minifootball Federation (WMF) selecting the destination over other shortlisted contenders, including Manila and Budapest.
The tournament, which will bring together 24 national teams and thousands of spectators to Ras Al Khaimah, cements the destination’s reputation for staging international sporting events, with the emirate already playing host to high-profile events including the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the world’s fastest half marathon which attracts more than 5,000 participants a year, road cycling competition UAE Tour as well as renowned international golf championships, the DP World Tour and the European Tour.
In addition to the significant tourism development and economic benefits that hosting the 2023 WMF World Cup will deliver, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) believes the tournament will act as a springboard for the promotion of minifootball in the UAE, encouraging more residents and visitors to play the sport, in line with the emirate’s objectives to foster livability as well as engaging with local schools and sports clubs within the local and broader UAE community.
