Burj Challenge sets the tone for Dubai Games

Global cities competing in Dubai Games 2026 had the chance on Wednesday to earn valuable bonus points ahead of the main Battle of the Cities competition.

Fifty-six cities took on the gruelling Burj Challenge, one of the toughest endurance tests in the event, racing up the 160 floors of the Burj Khalifa.

A total of 336 athletes battled the clock and gravity, climbing 2,909 steps to the top of the world’s tallest building, a height of 828 metres.

Teams were competing for 16 bonus points to boost their rankings before the main contests begin.

Team Kazan (Russia) finished in first place in a record time of 26 minutes 24 seconds, followed by Team Oviedo (Spain) second in 26m 53s, while Team Kutná Hora (Czech Republic) finished third in 27m 49s.

Team Aarhus (Denmark) took fourth place in 28m 54s, while Team Dubai came fifth in 29m 13s.

Team Lisbon (Portugal) came sixth in 29m 26s, and Team Montreal (Canada) came seventh after finishing the challenge in 29m 36s.

Held for the third year in a row, the Burj Challenge sees five-member teams tethered together for the entire climb, making it a true test of endurance, coordination and mental strength.

Unlike traditional races, victory is not about individual speed, but teamwork — reflecting the Dubai Games principle that success is achieved together.

The main competitions of Dubai Games 2026 will be held from February 12 to 15, with winning teams across several categories sharing a prize pool of more than AED 4 million.

The Burj Challenge set the tone for the Dubai Games, bringing together 56 teams from cities around the world in the largest international field to date. A total of 336 athletes pushed their limits, competing in teams as they ascended 160 floors of the world’s tallest building in… pic.twitter.com/2PnMHxUn17

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 11, 2026

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