Al Ain is set to host the sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships, marking the event’s debut in the city. The championship, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, will run from 21st to 27th July at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain.
This year’s competition is expected to be the largest in the championship’s history, with more than 1,000 male and female athletes representing over 60 countries. The athletes will compete across four age divisions: Youth D (10–11 years), Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years), and Youth A (16–17 years).
The UAE National Team comes to the tournament with a squad of 57 athletes, after completing a rigorous training camp in Phuket, Thailand as their final preparation. The team aims to build on their strong performance from last year, where they finished fourth overall, bringing home 12 medals.
Mohammed Al Hosani, member of the MMA Committee, UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the significance of the event for the country. He stated that hosting the championship in Al Ain for the first time with a record number of participants reflects the UAE’s growing stature in global combat sports. He described the tournament as both a sporting and cultural platform that promotes cross-cultural understanding and empowers youth.
In his words:
“The championship serves as a launchpad for future champions and a bridge to connect nations through sports. A series of tailored experiences have also been designed for the athletes and delegations, offering them a well-rounded Emirati experience that blends hospitality, entertainment, and cultural exchange.”
“The UAE National Team is approaching the championship with high spirits and a strong sense of determination. We have all the confidence in athletes’ capabilities to deliver a powerful performance that highlights the progress of MMA in the country.” — Mohammed Al Hosani
As excitement mounts for what promises to be a landmark event in both Emirati and international mixed martial arts, Al Ain prepares to welcome the next generation of combat sports talent and offer a diverse cultural experience for all participants.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
