Fujairah is gearing up to host the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Mr and Ms World Championship from September 5 to 7, welcoming top bodybuilding and physique athletes from around the world to compete in this prestigious international event.
The event will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
The competition will run from Friday to Sunday at Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah, with the participation of 920 athletes from different nationalities — 700 in the amateur category and 220 in the professional divisions across various weight and height classes.
The event is organized in cooperation with both the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation and Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.
The announcement came during a press conference held on Tuesday morning at Zayed Sports Complex, attended by Engineer Mohammed Bin Majid, Director of the Department of Industry and Economy in Fujairah and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, as well as Mohammed Shaheen Al Hosani, Board Member of the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, President of the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, affirmed that Fujairah’s success in hosting major events is made possible thanks to the continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, as well as the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
He also praised Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Department of Industry and Economy, for his ongoing support that has ensured the success of bodybuilding championships in Fujairah.
Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the emirate’s continued excellence in organising bodybuilding events, which have achieved great success in past editions and become a cornerstone for the sport’s growth in the UAE.
He also thanked the organizing committee, headed by Mohammed Obaid Bin Majid, and its team, stressing that the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation is a key supporter of the championships’ success.
For his part, Engineer Mohammed Obaid bin Majid explained that the two championships are part of a series of international competitions hosted by Fujairah for the past 25 years.
He noted that entry for spectators will be free, given the immense popularity of bodybuilding both locally and globally.
He added that this year’s event is unique, offering 15 professional cards to amateur winners, granting them direct qualification to compete at the professional level. Meanwhile, winners in the professional divisions will be crowned with two championship titles.
Mohammed Shaheen Al Hosani, Board Member of the UAE Federation and Head of the Technical Committee, outlined the weight and height categories for the three divisions including Amateur Bodybuilding: 6 weight classes — 75kg, 80kg, 85kg, 90kg, 95kg, and over 95kg; Professional Bodybuilding (Men): 2 weight classes — 95kg and Open (over 95kg), considered the most prestigious division globally; Professional Men’s Physique: one open height category; Amateur Men’s Physique: 3 height categories — up to 171cm, up to 180cm, and over 180cm; Women’s Physique: 3 height categories — up to 163cm, up to 169cm, and over 169cm.
Hosani also noted that the event will feature international judging led by Jose Maria of Spain, Head of the Judging Committee of the IFBB.
In addition, seven Emirati international judges will officiate, including Mohammed Shaheen, Yahya Sari, Khaled Al Hosani, Tareq Khalil, Osama Marouf, along with two female judges.