Youth Muay Thai World Championship Opens In Abu Dhabi With Over 1,200 Athletes Participating

The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, in collaboration with the International Federation of Muay Thai, has finalised arrangements for the 2025 Youth Muay Thai World Championship. This event will commence on Friday at Space 42 Arena, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi. Running until September 19, it will feature over 1,200 athletes from 100 nations across various age groups.

International teams are set to arrive in Abu Dhabi starting Wednesday, September 10. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday at 5:00 PM, welcoming all participants. Fans and Muay Thai enthusiasts can attend the event free of charge. Preliminary matches will kick off on Saturday, September 13, continuing daily until September 19 from noon to 8:00 PM.

This championship is a first for the Middle East, marking a significant milestone in global combat sports. It offers young athletes a prestigious platform to showcase their skills. Finals for competitors aged 8–15 will occur on September 18, followed by award presentations. The event concludes on September 19 with final bouts for ages 16–17 and closing ceremonies.

Stephan Fox, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Muay Thai, highlighted that this edition will see unparalleled participation from around the world. He noted that Abu Dhabi has all necessary elements to host an event of this scale successfully.

Tareq Mohammed Al Mehairi, Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, pointed out that hosting this championship underscores the federation’s dedication to organising major international sports events. He emphasised that strong global participation reflects confidence in the UAE’s organisational prowess and leadership in combat sports.

Al Mehairi stated, "We are committed to delivering an extraordinary edition of the championship, upholding the highest professional standards, enhancing Muay Thai’s global footprint, and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier global sports hub."

With inputs from WAM