Abu Dhabi is all set to welcome the world as it prepares to host the Youth Muay Thai World Championship 2025 for the very first time in the Middle East. The event, organised by the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation in cooperation with the International Federation of Muay Thai, will officially open this Friday, September 12, at the Space 42 Arena on Al Raha Beach.

This championship is a historic moment for the sport of Muay Thai and for the UAE, as thousands of young athletes, trainers, and fans from across the globe will gather to celebrate one of the world’s oldest and most respected martial arts.

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A Global Gathering of Youth Athletes

The championship will bring together more than 1,200 male and female athletes from 100 different countries, representing every continent. The participants are divided into age categories ranging from 8 years old to 17 years old.

For many of these young athletes, this event is the highlight of their sporting careers so far. It gives them the chance not only to compete for medals but also to learn from one another, share cultures, and build lifelong friendships.

International teams and delegations will begin arriving in Abu Dhabi starting Wednesday, September 10. The host city is preparing to roll out a warm welcome with traditional Emirati hospitality, ensuring that the young athletes feel at home as they step into one of the biggest arenas of their sporting journey.

The Grand Opening Ceremony

The official Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, September 12 at 5:00 PM at the Space 42 Arena. All participating teams will parade proudly with their national flags, showing the unity and diversity that this championship represents.

Spectators are invited to attend the opening for free, and organisers expect a packed house of Muay Thai lovers, local families, and sports fans eager to watch the celebrations. The evening will feature not only the athletes’ parade but also cultural performances, speeches from sports leaders, and a festive atmosphere that sets the tone for the exciting week ahead.

Daily Bouts and Exciting Matches

The competition itself will begin on Saturday, September 13, with preliminary bouts taking place daily until Friday, September 19. Matches will run each day from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Space 42 Arena.

Fans can look forward to watching intense action as young fighters showcase their talent, discipline, and determination inside the ring. For many athletes, this is their chance to prove themselves on the international stage, and the energy inside the arena is expected to be electric.

Finals and Award Ceremonies

The championship will build up to two exciting final days:

• Thursday, September 18 – The finals for the 8–15 years age group will take place, followed by an official awards ceremony where medals will be presented to the champions.

• Friday, September 19 – The last day of the tournament will feature the final bouts for the 16–17 years age group. This will be followed by the grand closing ceremony and final award presentations, officially bringing the championship to an end.

The closing day will also include special cultural showcases and celebrations, highlighting both the success of the young athletes and Abu Dhabi’s pride in hosting such a prestigious event.

A Landmark for the Middle East

This year’s Youth Muay Thai World Championship is extra special because it is the first time ever that the event is being held in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi’s selection as the host city is a recognition of its growing reputation as a global sports hub.

Over the past decade, the UAE capital has hosted major events across different sports, from martial arts to motorsports, and has built a reputation for world-class organisation and hospitality. This championship further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role in bringing international communities together through sports.

Voices from the Leaders

Stephan Fox – Secretary-General, International Federation of Muay Thai

Stephan Fox expressed his excitement for this year’s edition, saying that the championship will witness the largest participation in history with young fighters arriving from all over the world.

He praised Abu Dhabi for having all the right elements for success: top-class facilities, strong organisational skills, and a welcoming environment for athletes and fans alike.

Tareq Mohammed Al Mehairi – Board Member, UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation

Tareq Al Mehairi highlighted that hosting this global event reflects the UAE’s commitment to promoting martial arts and combat sports on the international stage.

He stressed that the strong participation of countries demonstrates the world’s trust in the UAE’s ability to organise such major events. He further added: “We are committed to delivering an extraordinary edition of the championship. Our aim is to uphold the highest professional standards, expand Muay Thai’s global presence, and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier sports destination.”

Why This Championship Matters

The Youth Muay Thai World Championship is more than just a tournament. For many young athletes, it is a dream come true — the chance to step into the ring wearing their country’s colours and compete against the best of the best.

Muay Thai, also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because of its use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins, is not only a sport but also a discipline that teaches respect, self-control, and perseverance. Hosting this event gives the UAE a chance to inspire the next generation of martial artists while also promoting cultural exchange.

What Fans Can Expect

Visitors attending the event can expect:

• Free entry to all matches, making it accessible for families, schools, and sports lovers.

• A vibrant fan zone with food stalls, cultural activities, and entertainment.

• A chance to meet young athletes from across the world and watch future stars of Muay Thai in action.

• A festive environment where sport, culture, and community come together under one roof.

A Message of Unity

Beyond the punches and kicks, this championship carries a deeper message of unity and friendship. Young people from different cultures and backgrounds will compete fiercely in the ring, but outside of it, they will share experiences, traditions, and stories.

Abu Dhabi is not just hosting a sporting event; it is hosting a celebration of youth, diversity, and international friendship.

As the countdown begins, excitement is building across Abu Dhabi and beyond. The stage is set, the athletes are arriving, and the world will soon be watching as the Youth Muay Thai World Championship 2025 begins.

This historic event is expected to leave a lasting legacy, not only for the athletes who take part but also for the city of Abu Dhabi, which continues to rise as one of the world’s most important destinations for international sports.