UAE Warriors Set To Thrill Fans As DCT Abu Dhabi And Palms Sports Renew Collaboration

DCT Abu Dhabi's collaboration with Palms Sports, organising UAE Warriors, is set to continue for another three years, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a central hub for global combat sports. This partnership, which began in 2012, has elevated UAE Warriors to international acclaim by consistently showcasing gripping matchups and high-quality production.

This agreement forms part of DCT Abu Dhabi's wide-ranging strategy to develop a robust sports ecosystem and elevate the emirate as a top destination for sports entertainment globally. The array of sports partnerships and activities, including the UFC, Formula 1, golf, and basketball, plays a crucial role in attracting international audiences and boosting the local economy. The continued partnership with Palms Sports and the expansion to Al Ain Region mark significant milestones in Abu Dhabi's journey towards achieving its Tourism Strategy 2030 goals.

Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted the significance of this partnership extension, stating, "Abu Dhabi is growing in prominence as a global sports hub through the continuous expansion of our network of international and regional partnerships, resulting in an array of top-tier sporting events being hosted in the emirate.

"This extension of our partnership with Palms Sports marks a new chapter for UAE Warriors, bringing an exciting programme of mixed martial arts to Al Ain Region for the first time. New audiences will discover Al Ain Region's unique destination offering and its potential as a home for future sporting events. We look forward to welcoming fans and athletes to experience the thrill of UAE Warriors in this beautiful area of Abu Dhabi."

Fouad Darwish, CEO and Managing Director of Palms Sports, expressed pride in the partnership's renewal and its expansion to the Al Ain Region, stating, "We are proud to extend our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi and bring UAE Warriors to the culturally rich and dynamic Al Ain Region. With DCT Abu Dhabi's unwavering support, UAE Warriors has grown from a regional platform into a globally recognised MMA promotion, providing a launchpad for elite talent and delivering world-class events that resonate with fans worldwide.

"Expanding to Al Ain Region marks a natural progression in this success story — a strategic move that will unlock new audiences, deepen community engagement, and reinforce the UAE's standing as a premier destination for combat sports."

The inclusion of Al Ain Region as a new venue for UAE Warriors events underscores DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to promoting the area as an enticing destination for sports tourism. Set to host two events in the 2025 season, followed by an additional two events annually from 2026 to 2028, Al Ain Region will soon become a focal point for mixed martial arts enthusiasts and participants. This initiative not only aims to draw a fresh wave of visitors but also enhances Abu Dhabi’s international reputation in the martial arts domain.