The UAE Muaythai and Kickboxing Federation organised the championship at Al Jazira Club’s Mubadala Dome as part of its ongoing programme to expand the sport and prepare a new generation of competitors for higher-level events. Competitors from various youth age groups took part in four disciplines with Point Fighting and Kick Light contested on tatami surfaces while Low Kick and K-1 bouts were held in the ring. All matches adhered to the regulations of the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations, according to event details released by the federation.
Preparations for the opening round included medical examinations and weigh-ins conducted on July 29 at the federation’s Abu Dhabi headquarters, the organisers stated. A technical meeting and draw for all participants followed on July 30 to establish the competition order. Preliminary bouts unfolded on the first day with semi-finals set for August 1 and the finals scheduled for August 2.
The final day of competition will incorporate dedicated events for People of Determination staged in collaboration with the UAE Special Olympics, the federation announced. This component aims to broaden access to the sport across diverse athlete groups. Officials have integrated the inclusive programme to align with national efforts promoting participation regardless of ability.
Board member Ali Khouri described the tournament as a significant step forward in the federation’s calendar. “The UAE Youth Kickboxing Championship represents an important milestone in the Federation’s competition agenda, given the comprehensive competitive environment it provides, which contributes to developing the skills of young players and raising the level of engagement between them, positively reflecting on the development of the sport of kickboxing and the expansion of its practitioner base in the country,” he said. Khouri added that combining four disciplines in a single event offers athletes varied competitive experience that builds technical readiness while matching international standards.
The domestic championship follows the federation’s staging of the Youth Muay Thai World Championship in Abu Dhabi in September 2025, which the Emirates News Agency reported drew more than 1,200 male and female athletes from 100 countries. Such events form part of a structured pathway that identifies promising talent and elevates standards for UAE national teams in regional and global arenas. Strong participation in the current youth kickboxing gathering underscores continued interest in the discipline among clubs and academies nationwide.
