Dakar 2026

Diamniadio Exhibition Centre at the Youth Olympic Games

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Gymnastics, fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo and wushu: how to reach the Diamniadio Exhibition Centre during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, where to eat and sleep, and how to combine events.

Diamniadio Exhibition Centre during the Youth Olympic Games

During the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, from 31 October to 13 November, the Diamniadio Exhibition Centre hosts six sports in one place: artistic gymnastics, fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo and wushu. You can reach it by TER train from Dakar plus a short taxi ride, or by the toll motorway. Here is how to get there, eat, sleep and combine events. To find things to do around the venue, browse events and entertainment listings in Diamniadio.

Where the venue is

The Exhibition Centre sits in the Diamniadio urban hub, a purpose-built new town roughly thirty kilometres from central Dakar. Its neighbours include Dakar Arena (badminton, futsal finals), the Diamniadio Equestrian Centre and Stade Abdoulaye Wade (archery). For families supporting an athlete aged 15 to 18, this clustering is a real advantage: several Olympic venues are close together.

Walking distances are longer than they look, so bring comfortable shoes, a hat and water: early November is often above 30 degrees.

Getting there: TER, taxi or toll motorway

By TER. The regional express train is your most reliable option at rush hour. It leaves Dakar station on the Plateau and stops at Colobane, Hann, Pikine, Thiaroye, Rufisque and Bargny before reaching Diamniadio station. From there, take a short taxi ride to the Exhibition Centre. Note that Almadies, Ngor, Parcelles Assainies, Guédiawaye and Keur Massar are not on the line, so if you are staying in Ngor, Ouakam, Mermoz or Sacré-Cœur, catch a taxi or ride-hailing car to the nearest station first.

By car or taxi. The toll motorway links Dakar and Diamniadio in anything from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic. Morning jams into Dakar and evening jams out of the city can be heavy, especially around Pikine and Rufisque. A taxi from central Dakar typically costs between 8,000 and 15,000 FCFA depending on your starting point; always agree on the fare before getting in.

By ride-hailing. Yango and Heetch work well but are paid in cash or through Wave and Orange Money, not by card. Those mobile wallets require a Senegalese SIM card and ID, so most short-stay visitors simply pay cash.

Eating and sleeping nearby

The urban hub has a handful of cafés, restaurants and small local eateries. Expect roughly 2,000 to 5,000 FCFA for a simple local dish such as thiéboudienne, yassa or mafé, and more in hotel restaurants. On busy days, eat early or carry snacks. Our article on where to eat in Diamniadio has more ideas.

Diamniadio has international hotels a few minutes from the venues, which is handy if you are following several days of competition. Rooms will go fast during the Games, so book now. Staying in Rufisque or in a TER-served part of Dakar such as the Plateau or Hann is a sensible fallback.

Money matters. Visa is the most widely accepted foreign card in hotels and supermarkets, but cash is essential for taxis and small shops. Exchange offices are scarce here, so use an ATM before heading out.

Fitting several events into one day

  • Check the official schedule on the organizing committee's website or app; that is the only reliable source for session times and tickets.
  • Pair nearby venues: the Exhibition Centre and Dakar Arena are neighbours, so judo in the morning and badminton in the afternoon is realistic.
  • Arrive early: security checks take time, particularly for morning sessions.
  • Leave a buffer for the trip home, as late sessions often end just as traffic heads back to Dakar.
  • Save the emergency numbers: police 17, fire brigade 18, ambulance 1515.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

Want more options? See all addresses in this category or explore the Diamniadio directory.

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Frequently asked questions

Which sports take place at the Diamniadio Exhibition Centre?

During the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the Exhibition Centre hosts artistic gymnastics, fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo and wushu. Session times are published by the organizing committee on its official website and app.

How do I get to the Exhibition Centre from Dakar?

The easiest route is the TER from Dakar station on the Plateau to Diamniadio station, followed by a short taxi ride. By car, the toll motorway connects the two, but rush-hour traffic can add a lot of time.

Can I pay by card at the venue area?

Visa cards are accepted in many hotels and supermarkets, but taxis, ride-hailing and small shops mostly run on cash. Withdraw FCFA from an ATM before leaving Dakar.