DP World ILT20 Season 5 will begin on November 22, with the final scheduled for December 20 at Dubai International Stadium.
The six-team competition will run across 34 matches in what has become a fixed end-of-year slot for the UAE-based league. The first three editions were held in January and February, before the tournament moved to a November-December window for Season 4.
That shift appears set to stay.
Last season ended with the Desert Vipers winning the title for the first time after beating MI Emirates by 46 runs in front of a full house at Dubai International Stadium on January 4.
League chief executive David White said organisers were pleased to confirm the dates for the new campaign after what they viewed as a strong fourth season, both in the stands and on broadcast.
He also said the league would continue its regional development work with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with pre-season tournaments planned in both countries before the new ILT20 season begins.
Further announcements, including details around this year’s player auction, are expected in the coming weeks.
Season 4 brought together a strong group of international players, alongside leading UAE talent.
Sam Curran of Desert Vipers was named player of the tournament and also collected the award for best batter. MI Emirates spinner Waqar Salamkheil was recognised as the best bowler, while Muhammad Waseem was named best UAE player.
Among the overseas names involved last season were Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, Jason Roy, Kieron Pollard, Moeen Ali, Nicholas Pooran, Phil Salt, Sunil Narine and Tim Southee.
For cricket fans in the UAE, the confirmed dates give an early marker for one of the region’s biggest events on the sporting calendar.
