UAE Wrestling Federation Reviews Season Achievements and Sets Ambitious Future Plans.
Abu Dhabi, November 6, 2024 – The UAE Wrestling Federation’s Board of Directors, led by H.E. Mohamed Al Mubarak, convened a strategic meeting at the federation’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The gathering brought together H.E. Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed Al Nahyan, Secretary-General of the Federation, along with board members Talal Al Hashemi, Moza Al Ali, Dr. Ziad Saleh, Abdulraheem Al Nuaimi, Saif Al Rashdi, Sultan Al Ketbi, and key representatives from strategic partners.
The discussions centered on expanding wrestling’s reach across the UAE, strengthening its presence in schools, sports clubs, and community programs. The federation aims to foster elite athletes over the next five years by training physical education teachers, establishing dedicated training centers, and rolling out structured after school programs. Additionally, a strong emphasis was placed on hosting high profile annual tournaments, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a leader in regional combat sports.
Key Milestones in 2024
The board highlighted several major achievements, including the successul parternship with Palm Sports, which significantly boosted wrestling’s accessibility. The launch of the UAE Wrestling Federation Cup received widespread praise, while the federation’s participation in the Maritime Heritage Festival helped strengthen community engagement. Progress in achieveing set objectives was also reviewed, with an emphasis on forging new partnerships to sustain momentum.
Upcoming Projects and Expansion Plans
One of the most exciting developments is the opening of Abu Dhabi’s first dedicated wrestling training center in Al Muntazah, set for January 2025. This facility is designed to nurture and develop future champions, equipping them for international success. Additionally, a series of national tournaments is set to take place in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah between September and December, ensuring consistent competitive opportunities for emerging talent. Community engagement remains a priority, with large scale awareness campaigns planned in major shopping centers, building on the success of activations in Yas Mall and Bawadi Mall, which attracted thousands of participants.
Media and Youth Engagement Initiatives
The federation is leveraging creative media strategies to inspire the next generation of wrestlers. A collaboration with Majid Magazine has brought to life the story of Salem, a young wrestler navigating the world of wrestling and traditional Emirati grappling (Mutaraha). Plans are also in motion for an animated series designed to educate and entertain young audiences, while new mascot characters will be introduced at events to enhance community interaction and engagement.
Towards a Global Wrestling Stage
Looking ahead, the board discussed expanding the UAE’s presence on the international wrestling circuit. The focus is on a phased approach, beginning with local and regional tournaments to build experience and credibility before pursuing major global events in Abu Dhabi. With these ambitious initiatives, the UAE Wrestling Federation is shaping a future where wrestling thrives as a key sport, strengthening the UAE’s status as a regional hub for combat sports while staying true to its heritage and sporting ambitions.