Abu Dhabi Set To Host World Kickboxing Championships For The First Time In The Region This November 2025

Abu Dhabi is set to host the prestigious World Kickboxing Championships from November, 21 to 30, 2025. This event will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), marking a significant milestone as it will be the first time the championship takes place outside Europe and in the Middle East.

The event is expected to draw in 2,000 athletes from 150 countries, highlighting the UAE's prominence and expertise in organizing large-scale international sporting competitions.

During a recent ceremony, the hosting agreement was signed between the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation and the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO).

This ceremony saw the participation of notable figures such as H.E. Roy Baker, President of the International Federation, and Mr. Ali Khoury, a Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, signifying the importance of this event.

H.E. Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of both the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, expressed that bringing the World Kickboxing Championships to Abu Dhabi is a landmark achievement for the UAE in the sports domain.

He stated, "This event underlines the international federations' trust in our capability to organize events of a global caliber," emphasizing that this championship will bolster the UAE's reputation as a premier destination for combat sports.

This is largely due to the steadfast support from the nation's leadership. Al Neyadi further mentioned that the event would serve as a crucial platform to highlight the sport's significant progress both locally and globally.

"The UAE was selected due to its rapid growth in kickboxing and its capabilities as a leading regional hub. For the first time, the championship will be staged in Abu Dhabi, with more than 2,000 athletes from 150 nations expected to compete – a testament to the confidence enjoyed by the UAE Federation," said H.E. Roy Baker, shedding light on why Abu Dhabi was chosen as the host city for this global event.

His remarks underscore the transparent recognition system of the International Federation, which mirrors that of the Olympic Games, showcasing the UAE's growing stature in the kickboxing world.

Mr. Ali Khoury discussed the impact of hosting this championship in Abu Dhabi, describing it as a transformative event for the sport. By moving the event from Europe to an Arab country for the first time, it underscores the UAE's unique standing on the world stage.

Khoury praised the UAE leadership for their continuous support of kickboxing and Muay Thai, which has significantly raised the federation's profile regionally and internationally. He noted, "The championship is a valuable addition to the major sporting events calendar," illustrating the positive developments for sports in the UAE.

The decision to host the World Kickboxing Championships in Abu Dhabi in 2025 marks a significant step forward for the UAE in the international sports arena.

This event not only showcases the country's ability to organize major sports competitions but also highlights the rapid growth and popularity of kickboxing in the region.

The championship is expected to further elevate the UAE's status as a global hub for combat sports, backed by robust leadership support and a vision to enhance the development of sports locally and internationally.