UAE Open Muay Thai Championship off to perfect start in Dubai

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE Open Muay Thai Championship for men and women commenced on Friday evening at Dubai’s Festival Arena, featuring 235 competitors from 44 clubs across the UAE and internationally.

Organized by the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, the championship runs through Sunday, October 27. This year’s tournament underscores the UAE’s position as a prime Muay Thai hub on both regional and global stages.

With participants from nations including Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Libya, Iraq, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, and China, athletes aged 16 to 40 are competing across 12 weight categories for ages 16-17, 10 weight classes for under-23, and 13 for adults.

The opening day saw 58 preliminary matches, paving the way for Saturday’s semi-finals and concluding on Sunday, October 27, with the final matches and awards ceremony.

Following thorough medical screenings and official weigh-ins, the draw has set up an exciting array of matchups. This championship is a testament to the Federation’s dedication to nurturing Muay Thai talent through comprehensive programs and events designed to provide valuable experience and identify emerging talent for the national teams.

The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation welcomes fans and enthusiasts to join in the excitement, offering free admission for a firsthand experience of the live tournament atmosphere and to cheer on their favorite athletes.

Fahad Al Abdooli, Director of Sports Activities for the Federation, stated: “The UAE Open Muay Thai Championship embodies the vision of HE Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation. His leadership has been crucial in advancing the sport through outstanding programs and championships. This initiative is an essential step in fortifying the sport’s foundation and enriching athletes’ skills by providing them with invaluable experience.”

Established in May 2017, the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation is the official sponsor of Muay Thai and Kickboxing sports in the country. The federation plays a leading role in solidifying the foundations of these sports, contributing to the development of a knowledgeable and culturally enriched society. The UAE stands out on local and global sports platforms, with the federation aiming to increase the popularity of Muay Thai and Kickboxing and create a team capable of competing in international competitions for both professionals and amateurs.