The United Arab Emirates concluded its campaign at the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games with a historic performance, finishing 13th overall among 45 participating nations. Represented by a 165-member delegation, the UAE team marked its most successful outing since its debut in 1978, securing a total of 13 medals: seven gold, five silver, and one bronze. Followed by team silver and individual silver at Guangzhou 2010, before adding another team silver to her overall tally at Aichi–Nagoya 2026, sheikha Latifah won team bronze at Doha 2006.
Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, praised the athletes’ dedication and the relentless efforts of technical and administrative staff. He highlighted that the achievement, which includes a record seven gold medals—surpassing the previous best of five set in Hangzhou—demonstrates the nation’s rising status in the continental sporting arena. The historic result reflects the continued progress of UAE sport at the continental level.
Among the standout performances, Mariam Kareem made history by winning gold in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 54.31 seconds. Her victory set both a new Asian Games record and an Asian U20 record, marking the second-fastest time ever for a U-20 athlete globally. Sheikh Mansoor commended her resilience, noting her ability to overcome the disappointment of an earlier exit in the mixed 4x400m relay to reach the top of the podium. He applauded the consistently strong displays recorded by the UAE riders during the Games and their ability to compete hard and ensure podium finishes. Exemplifying the strength of character required to overcome difficult moments and transform them into motivation for new achievements, kareem then returned to deliver an exceptional performance in the 400m hurdles and claim gold.
Equestrian competition also proved fruitful for the UAE. Sheikha Latifah Bint Ahmed Bin Juma Al Maktoum earned a team silver medal, bringing her career total to four Asian Games medals. This achievement places her alongside Malaysia’s Quzandria Nur Mahamad Fathil for the highest tally ever recorded by a female equestrian in the tournament’s history. Sheikh Mansoor lauded her consistency and leadership in representing the nation with distinction.
On the final day of the competition, Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi captured individual silver in show jumping aboard Hudson De Vains, finishing with four penalties in 41.93 seconds during the jump-off. His success followed the team’s earlier silver medal performance, where Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi placed sixth and Sheikha Latifah finished seventh.
The UAE’s gold medal count was further bolstered by Kazbek Naguchev in the men’s under-73kg judo category, alongside a dominant showing from the jiu-jitsu team, which saw gold medals awarded to Balqees Abdulla, Khaled Al Shehhi, Ahmed Andeez, Mahdi Al Awlaqi, and Asma Al Hosani. Additional medals in jiu-jitsu came from silver medalists Al Anoud Al Harbi and Omar Al Suwaidi, and bronze medalist Ammar Al Hosani, while Suleiman Abdulrahman secured silver in athletics.
The 20th edition of the Asian Games, held from September 19 to October 4, 2026, across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City, featured over 11,000 athletes competing in 43 sports and 71 disciplines. The UAE’s expansion was evident as the country debuted teams in modern pentathlon and padel, showcasing a broadening commitment to diverse athletic fields. Hosted by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026, the UAE was represented by a 165-strong contingent comprising 117 men and 48 women, competing across a wide range of sporting disciplines, competing at the 20th Asian Games. The Games brought together more than 11,000 athletes, alongside around 6,000 coaches and officials representing 45 countries, over 16 days of competition. The Asian Games’ overall programme featured 43 sports, 71 disciplines and 469 events, making it the world’s second-largest multi-sport event after the Summer Olympic Games.
Ultimately, the results reflect the sustained preparation and ambition of UAE sports federations. Sheikh Mansoor emphasized that the athletes’ burning desire to see the national flag raised at prestigious continental events remains a central pillar in the ongoing growth and international competitiveness of Emirati sports.
