Dubai in the United Arab Emirates originally won the bid to host the 2013 Swimming World Championships, beating Moscow and Hamburg. However, Dubai withdrew and following another bid process Barcelona was selected in 2010. It was the second time that Barcelona had hosted this championships, they did it previously in 2003.

It was the 15th FINA World Championships. The new High Diving discipline was included on the program for the first time.

Competition Dates

The competition dates for each discipline at the event.

  • Swimming – July 28-August 4, 2013
  • Open Water – July 20, 21, 24, 26 & 27
  • Diving – July 20-28
  • High Diving – 29–31 July 
  • Synchro – July 20-27
  • Water Polo – July 21-August 3 (in July: women on odd days, men on even days; switches in August)

Competition Venues

  • Palau Sant Jordi: Swimming, Synchro
  • Port Vell: High Diving, Open Water
  • Bernat Picornell pool: Water Polo
  • Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc pool: Diving