The UAE Youth Muaythai Championship concluded on Sunday at the Mubadala Dome in Abu Dhabi’s Al Jazira Sports Club. Organized by the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation as part of the 2026–27 Emirates Champions Season, the three-day tournament showcased 790 male and female athletes representing 51 clubs and academies nationwide. Competitors aged 6 to 17 years old displayed high levels of technical skill across 198 weight divisions, with matches held simultaneously across three rings and two tatami mats, all adhering to International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) regulations. Academies and technical staff play in preparing athletes and developing their level, he continued: “We value the important role our clubs.
Abu Dhabi Muay Thai finished at the top of the standings, securing the youth title with a total haul of 41 medals: 20 gold, 15 silver, and 6 bronze. In accordance with IFMA standards, rankings were determined by the gold-medal count rather than the overall medal tally. The event, which followed the senior-level UAE Kickboxing Championship held in September, served as a key fixture in the Federation’s ongoing effort to expand the sport’s reach and elevate technical standards across all age groups. In line with the standard applied by IFMA and the sport’s international federations, which is why clubs with a higher gold tally place above rivals carrying larger overall hauls, rankings are decided by gold-medal count. With closely contested bouts across every age group, the closing day delivered the finals and third-place playoffs in front of a strong turnout of spectators. Develop technical standards, and strengthen competitive opportunities across every age category, together they continue the Federation’s calendar of competitions designed to widen participation across the country.
Board member Tariq Mohammed Al Mheiri noted that the significant turnout underscores the rapid growth of Muay Thai within the nation. He emphasized that the youth championships are vital investments, providing a platform to identify and refine talent while preparing the next generation for future regional and international competition. Beyond simple medal counts, Al Mheiri described the events as a process for building the mental and technical foundations necessary for sustained athletic development.
The Federation leadership expressed gratitude toward the clubs, academies, and technical staff whose contributions remain essential for athlete preparation. The closing ceremonies were attended by board members Ali Khouri and Yaser Salem Al Saedi, who joined representatives from various clubs to distribute honors to the successful competitors. Looking ahead, the Federation intends to continue enhancing the quality of domestic championships throughout the remainder of the Emirates Champions Season to foster a durable, high-performing sports base.
