Youth Muay Thai World Championships begins in Abu Dhabi with glittering ceremony

The Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi witnessed on Friday the grand opening of the first-ever Youth Muay Thai World Championships in the Middle East.

The tournament will run until September 19, bringing together more than 1,200 male and female athletes representing 100 countries across six continents.

The opening ceremony began with the UAE national anthem performed by the Abu Dhabi Police military band, followed by a visual presentation showcasing the UAE’s national achievements under its wise leadership and the remarkable journey of Emirati Muay Thai, which has risen to global prominence.

On behalf of Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and Chairman of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, Tareq Mohammed Al Mehairi, Executive Director of the Asian Muay Thai Federation and Board Member of the UAE Federation, delivered the official opening address.

He welcomed the international delegations, emphasizing that the championship marks a historic milestone in supporting future generations, fostering cultural exchange, and uniting nations through sport. He noted that Abu Dhabi’s edition would create unforgettable moments in the memory of the global Muay Thai community.

Mehairi added that the participation of over 100 countries and more than 1,200 athletes reflects the international sports community’s great confidence in the UAE and Abu Dhabi, reaffirming the nation’s distinguished position in hosting major world events. He expressed pride in the Federation’s strategic partnership with the International Federation of Muay Thai, which has contributed to unprecedented successes in the sport’s development, and extended gratitude to partners and sponsors for their vital role in supporting the championship.

For his part, Stephan Fox, Secretary General of the International Federation of Muay Thai, praised the high level of organization and the impressive opening ceremony, expressing appreciation to Abu Dhabi and the UAE for the outstanding hosting. He commended the efforts of the UAE Federation under the leadership of Neyadi, highlighting its dedication to organizing championships, training programs, and development initiatives that have elevated the sport on a global scale.

The ceremony featured the parade of participating teams and referees onto the main stage, followed by the oath-taking by representatives of referees, athletes, and coaches. Tareq Mohammed Al Mehairi then officially declared the championship open, wishing success to all participating nations.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps of participating countries, as well as presidents of national federations and representatives of global teams.

The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation was established in May 2017 as the official governing body of Muay Thai and Kickboxing in the UAE. The federation plays a leading role in promoting the foundations of these sports, raising awareness and knowledge, and securing podium places for the UAE in both local and international arenas. It also aims to expand the practice base of Muay Thai and Kickboxing nationwide and to develop teams capable of competing in both professional and amateur world championships.