World Curling in “advanced discussions” to hold world women’s playdowns in UAE

PERTH — The Roaring Game could be heading to the desert this season.

World Curling was in “advanced discussions” with the United Arab Emirates to host the 2027 world women’s curling championship, an organization spokesman said Monday in an email.

“Those discussions also involve wider growth opportunities in the region, including the hosting of a world men’s championship at a future date, the running of regional championships, as well as camps and courses provided by the World Curling Academy,” said Chris Hamilton, World Curling’s head of communications and media.

Hamilton added that World Curling hopes to make a final decision on plans “in the next few weeks.”

There has been conflict in recent months throughout the Middle East. The UAE is bordered by Saudi Arabia and Oman, with the Persian Gulf separating the country from Iran to the north.

“We do recognize that there are particular challenges in the region at this moment in time, which is why we are being conscientious and patient in the contractual discussions,” Hamilton said.

There was no immediate word on a potential host city or venue.

The winner of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts will represent Canada at the March 13-21 competition. Switzerland’s Xenia Schwaller won the 2026 world playdowns in Calgary.

The 2027 world men’s curling championship is set for March 26-April 4 at TD Station in Saint John, N.B.

The winner of the Montana’s Brier will represent Canada at that event. Sweden’s Niklas Edin, who retired in the off-season, won the 2026 world championship in Ogden, Utah.

The United Arab Emirates was confirmed as a conditional member association last month following approval by the World Curling board.

“We are very happy to welcome the UAE to the World Curling family as our 78th member association,” World Curling president Beau Welling said in a statement at the time. “We sincerely believe they will be important partners in our efforts to grow curling in the region and around the world.”

The UAE has made a winter sports push in recent years. The country made its Winter Olympic debut at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games with two athletes – Piera Hudson and Alexander Astridge – representing the country in alpine skiing.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.

The Canadian Press