Farhan Firoz: Redefining University Athletics in the UAE

Athletics coach Farhan Firoz is one of the youngest and most successful sports leaders in the region. As Head Coach of Middlesex University’s Athletics Team, he has redefined what university-level sports can achieve. His vision goes beyond medals and trophies; he is working to make athletics a powerful driver of sports culture across the UAE.

From Potential to Performance with Athletics Coach

At the core of Farhan’s philosophy lies a principle that guides his every decision: turn potential into performance. As an athletics coach, he transformed Middlesex University’s athletics team into one of the most successful squads in the region, delivering 356 podium finishes and 18 championship trophies in just three years.

Several athletes he coached from scratch now rank among the top 10 in the UAE, highlighting his ability to nurture raw talent into national-level competitors.

Inspiration and Education in UAE Athletics

Farhan’s career as an athletics coach was inspired by his passion for education and guiding people toward healthier lives. While pursuing his master’s degree, he deepened his expertise by earning professional certifications in personal training and coaching, laying a strong foundation for success.

Key Milestones in Athletics

Some of Farhan’s notable achievements include:

• Ranked among the Top 10 UAE Seniors Category

• Over 100 podium wins across UAE competitions

• Sports Team of the Year (2024 & 2025, as Coach)

• Best Academy of the Year (SPIA 2022) with AIS Athletics

• Outstanding Contribution to Sports (2021 & 2022)

• Best Long Distance Runner (2020, 2021, 2022)

Overcoming Challenges as a Young UAE Athletics Coach

When Farhan became head coach at a young age, many doubted his ability to uphold Middlesex University’s sporting legacy. In Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, youth is often equated with inexperience.

However, Farhan’s results quickly silenced skeptics. He built not just a winning team, but a sports culture in UAE universities that other institutions now strive to replicate.

Values That Guide Leadership in Athletics

Farhan’s leadership as an athletics coach is built on:

• Consistency – showing up daily and leading by example.

• Discipline – across training, academics, and personal life.

• Resilience – bouncing back stronger from challenges.

Unlike traditional approaches that demand endless grind, he emphasizes balance, ensuring athletes succeed on the track while maintaining fulfilling personal and academic lives.

Current Projects and Initiatives in the UAE University Sports

Farhan is spearheading MDX Relay Night 4, set to be the UAE’s largest inter-university relay event. He is also partnering with academies to create more opportunities in track and field competitions, addressing the lack of initiatives at the university level.

Beyond athletics, he hosts MDX Unplugged, the UAE’s most popular university-led podcast, featuring high-profile guests and inspiring conversations.

Vision for the Future of UAE University Athletics

Farhan’s mission as an athletics coach is to elevate track and field, which he believes is undervalued compared to football and basketball. He wants to empower athletes to become both top performers and brand ambassadors, helping shape the next generation of UAE sports leaders.

• Advice for Aspiring Coaches and Athletes

“Trust the process,” Farhan says. For him, talent alone is not enough. Continuous education, research, and innovation are critical. He urges coaches to stay updated, think from the athlete’s perspective, and take risks to create better systems than those that already exist.

Connect with Farhan Firoz:

LinkedIn – Farhan Firoz
Instagram – Farhan Firoz