Al Ain, Abu Dhabi — The Star Academy Championship returns for its second season on 29 and 30 August 2026, bringing two days of bodybuilding and physique competition to Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, under the auspices of the Emirates Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (EBBF).
The championship is expected to attract athletes from across the UAE and the wider region, with competitors taking part in a broad programme of bodybuilding and physique divisions and competing for cash prizes and awards valued at up to AED 150,000.
Wide range of competitive categories
Season 2 will feature several major competition divisions, including Bodybuilding, Classic Bodybuilding, Physique, Classic Physique, Muscular Physique and Body Style, with additional Junior and Master categories available across selected divisions.
The championship has been structured to accommodate athletes across different weight, height and age classifications, providing competitive opportunities for both emerging athletes and experienced competitors.
Detailed height and weight regulations have also been announced for Classic Bodybuilding and Classic Physique competitors, including separate classifications for Men and Juniors.
In addition, the programme includes Games Classic Bodybuilding categories for Junior, Men and Master athletes, with specified height-to-weight limits designed to ensure fair and consistent competition standards.
Overall champions to compete for major cash prizes
Among the key highlights of the championship will be the overall category contests.
Overall champions in Bodybuilding and Physique will each receive AED 10,000, while second-place finishers will receive AED 8,000 and third place AED 4,000.
The overall winners in Classic Bodybuilding and Classic Physique will each receive AED 8,000, with AED 6,000 awarded for second place and AED 4,000 for third.
Overall winners in Muscular Physique and Body Style will receive AED 6,000, with AED 4,000 allocated for second place.
Together with prizes across the wider competition programme, total cash prizes and awards will reach up to AED 150,000.
Registration now open
Athlete registration for the championship is currently open through the official event platform.
An early registration rate of AED 999 is available until 14 August 2026, while on-site registration is priced at AED 1,299.
Additional event services include crossover registration, coach passes, professional photography packages and tanning services.
Athletes can register through starsportsae.com.
UAE gyms supporting the championship
The championship has also received support from a network of gyms and fitness centres across the UAE, reflecting growing engagement from the national bodybuilding and fitness community.
Supporting clubs represented across different emirates include facilities from Al Ain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah, helping extend the reach of the championship beyond the host city.
The event is additionally supported by a group of commercial sponsors and fitness-sector partners.
Hawk Armwrestling UAE joins the programme
Adding another dimension to the weekend, the organisers have announced the inclusion of the Hawk Armwrestling UAE Championship as part of the Star Academy Championship activities.
The addition expands the event beyond traditional bodybuilding and physique competition and is expected to bring together a wider audience of strength-sport athletes and spectators during the two-day programme.
Building competitive opportunities for UAE athletes
The Star Academy Championship forms part of the wider effort to expand competitive bodybuilding and fitness opportunities in the UAE, giving athletes access to professionally organised competitions, clearly defined categories and a platform to progress within the sport.
The Emirates Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation continues to support competitions and initiatives that contribute to the development of athletes, clubs and the wider fitness sector while strengthening the UAE’s position as an active regional destination for bodybuilding and physique sports.
Star Academy Championship – Season 2
Dates: 29–30 August 2026
Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Cash Prizes & Awards: Up to AED 150,000
Early Registration: AED 999 until 14 August 2026
Registration: starsportsae.com
Dates: 29–30 August 2026
Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Cash Prizes & Awards: Up to AED 150,000
Early Registration: AED 999 until 14 August 2026
Registration: starsportsae.com
