First Emirati Wushu judge Salem Hamdan Al Ameri ignites a new era for sport in UAE

DUBAI: In a historic moment for sports in the UAE, Salem Hamdan Al Ameri has made a remarkable contribution to the promotion and development of Wushu.

As the first Emirati judge certified by the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), his efforts are paving the way for a brighter future for this martial art in the region.

The IWUF International Wushu Judges Training and Certification Course (IWJTCC) 2026 and the Wushu Judges Training Course in Haikou, China, marked a significant step in this journey.

Salem Hamdan Al Ameri passed the exam to become the first-ever Emirati Wushu judge in the world from the IWUF, which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Pioneers of Wushu from around the world have congratulated Salem Hamdan Al Ameri on this remarkable achievement.

Salem Hamdan Al Ameri started his Wushu career in 2014 with Sifu Don Tiran, under the guidance of Sifu Prasanna Jayaweera.

He further trained with Master Andrew Cheung, guided by Master William Cheung in Australia. This extensive training laid the groundwork for his future accomplishments and his unwavering commitment to advancing Wushu in his home country.

Known as the "Godfather of Wushu" in the UAE, Al Ameri serves as a legal counselor dedicated to promoting Wushu within the UAE.

Under his guidance, he has successfully organized many Wushu promotional events across the nation. In 2026, he organized the first Wushu Coaching and Judging Seminar in the UAE in collaboration with the IWUF, which covered all states of the UAE, attracting over 80 coaches and representing 25 Wushu clubs.

He established the Arab Wushu Kung Fu Union in the UAE to promote Wushu and is recognized as the only approved representative in the UAE from the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), the Asian Wushu Federation, and the Arab Wushu Federation.

With more than 1,000 students learning Wushu across different clubs in the UAE, Salem Hamdan Al Ameri’s initiatives are inspiring a new generation of martial artists.

His target is to establish a formal Wushu federation in the UAE, positioning the nation as a global hub for martial arts in the Mena region. He aims to build stronger ties with China and bring international Wushu competitions to the UAE, which would significantly increase sports tourism in the country.

Salem Hamdan Al Ameri sees the role models always as UAE leaders who set a great example for their citizens. With Wushu now recognized as an Olympic sport, he is seeking the support and guidance of the royal families to elevate this sport in the UAE, aiming to create the best Emirati national Wushu players and develop future Emirati Olympic medalists.

Salem Hamdan Al Ameri's dedication to Wushu exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and cultural exchange. Through his tireless efforts, Wushu is gaining traction within the UAE, poised to become a significant part of the region's sporting identity.

As he continues to advocate for development, coaching, and competition, the future of Wushu in the UAE looks bright, inspiring many to pursue the art with passion and commitment.

His achievements have drawn the attention and congratulations of Wushu pioneers from around the world, marking a significant milestone in the sport's history.

Salem Hamdan Al Ameri sees the role models always as UAE leaders who set a great example for their citizens.