Abu Dhabi to Host Historic 2025 IFMA Youth World Championship
In a landmark announcement for regional sport, Abu Dhabi has been confirmed as the host city for the 2025 IFMA Youth World Muay Thai Championship, marking the first time the globally respected martial arts tournament will be held in the Middle East. The championship is scheduled to take place from September 10 to 20, 2025, at Space 42 Arena, located in the Al Raha Beach district.
The decision comes as part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to solidify its position as a leading destination for international sporting events and to boost youth involvement in combat sports across the Arab world and Asia.
Strategic Milestone for Regional Sports Hosting
The championship is being organized under the supervision of the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) in collaboration with the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation. It will feature the participation of more than 100 national teams and approximately 1,500 youth athletes, positioning the UAE as a central hub for global Muay Thai competition.
This development represents a historic achievement for the UAE and its sports sector, especially as it relates to youth participation in internationally sanctioned martial arts. The event will provide a platform for cultural exchange, physical development, and global exposure to thousands of young athletes, while also demonstrating the UAE’s organizational capabilities in managing large-scale sporting events.
Venue Chosen for International Standards and Capacity
The championship will be held at Space 42 Arena, one of Abu Dhabi’s most modern sports facilities. The venue is equipped with advanced infrastructure, athlete training zones, medical support systems, and seating arrangements suitable for international spectators and media coverage. It has previously hosted numerous regional events and is now preparing for one of the largest youth martial arts tournaments in the world.
Officials have confirmed that preparations for the venue’s readiness are already in motion, with logistics, transportation, and hospitality arrangements being coordinated in line with IFMA regulations.
Support from UAE Leadership
The hosting of the championship has been made possible by directives from the nation’s top leadership. In an official statement, Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of both the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, expressed deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, for their continued support of the sport sector.
Al Neyadi highlighted the significance of the event, calling it an “important step in cementing Abu Dhabi’s global status in combat sports” and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to making this championship an exceptional edition that “reflects the nation’s capabilities and honors its reputation.”
International Federation Commends Abu Dhabi’s Selection
IFMA Secretary-General Stephen Fox praised Abu Dhabi’s selection as the host city. During the official signing ceremony, Fox stated that the UAE has repeatedly demonstrated “trust, organizational excellence, and high-level hospitality” when it comes to international sports events. He expressed full confidence in the UAE Federation’s ability to deliver an unprecedented championship experience.
Fox also acknowledged that the 2025 edition will be the largest Youth World Muay Thai Championship in the organization’s history, citing the record number of countries and athletes expected to participate. He reassured international families that their children would be competing in an environment defined by professionalism, safety, and world-class standards.
Championship Objectives and Global Impact
The primary goal of the IFMA Youth World Championship is to enhance international cooperation, youth development, and the expansion of Muay Thai as a recognized Olympic sport. The event in Abu Dhabi is expected to further accelerate the sport’s growth in the Arab region, introduce structured pathways for young athletes, and encourage the establishment of more training centers and programs in schools and communities.
The championship also aligns with IFMA’s long-standing mission to promote Muay Thai as a tool for education, discipline, respect, and global friendship. Its youth division in particular focuses on fostering the next generation of athletes under safe, inclusive, and competitive conditions.
UAE Federation’s Broader Development Strategy
Tariq Mohammed Al Mehairi, Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation and Secretary-General of the Arab Muay Thai Federation, outlined how the event fits into the broader framework of the UAE Federation’s five-year development strategy. According to Al Mehairi, hosting the youth world championship reflects the federation’s long-term vision to develop elite athletes, enhance infrastructure, and organize world-standard events.
He emphasized that the championship would offer a lasting legacy, not only for the UAE’s sports image but also for grassroots Muay Thai initiatives across the country. He further noted that the federation is working closely with schools, academies, and regional bodies to ensure that young Emiratis and residents have access to quality training and international exposure.
Impact on Sports Tourism and Local Economy
The championship is expected to attract thousands of international visitors to Abu Dhabi, resulting in a significant boost to the local economy. Hotels, transportation services, restaurants, and tourism providers are likely to see an uptick in demand throughout the duration of the event. Additionally, the event will contribute to the UAE’s positioning as a year-round sports tourism destination.
The government and private sector stakeholders have expressed readiness to support the event, including through the provision of visa facilitation, health and safety measures, and multilingual support services for foreign delegations.
Alignment with UAE Vision 2025
Hosting the IFMA Youth World Championship aligns with several national objectives outlined in UAE Vision 2025, particularly in areas such as youth development, cultural diplomacy, economic diversification, and the promotion of a healthy and active lifestyle. The event supports the UAE’s focus on increasing youth engagement in structured physical activities, building international partnerships, and reinforcing its identity as a destination for excellence.
The championship will also provide opportunities for Emirati youth to compete at the highest level and inspire wider participation across schools and training academies throughout the nation.
Abu Dhabi’s Championship Hosting Marks a Defining Moment for UAE Sport
The 2025 IFMA Youth World Muay Thai Championship represents a pivotal moment in the sporting history of the UAE. As Abu Dhabi prepares to welcome more than 1,500 young athletes from over 100 countries, the event stands as a testament to the emirate’s rising prominence in the global sports community.
Backed by visionary leadership, modern infrastructure, and a clear developmental strategy, the UAE is poised to deliver a championship that will resonate far beyond its 10-day schedule, leaving a legacy for generations to come.
