Abu Dhabi to Host Landmark World Kickboxing Championships in 2025
The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation has revealed that Abu Dhabi will serve as the venue for the World Kickboxing Championships (Masters and Seniors) from 21st to 30th November 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). This historic occasion is the first time the championship will be held outside Europe and in the Middle East, with 2,000 athletes from 150 countries expected to compete, highlighting the UAE’s leadership in staging major international sporting events.
The official announcement was made during a hosting agreement ceremony between the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation. The event was attended by Roy Baker, President of the International Federation, and Ali Khoury, Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation.
Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, stated that the championship, “represents a new milestone in the UAE’s sporting achievements and reflects the confidence of international federations in the country’s ability to host world-class events.” He also highlighted the UAE’s position as a global hub for combat sports, noting the invaluable support from the country’s wise leadership and the opportunity the event provides to showcase the sport’s development locally and internationally.
Roy Baker expressed his pride in the selection of Abu Dhabi, underlining, “The UAE was selected due to its rapid growth in kickboxing and its capabilities as a leading regional hub. For the first time, the championship will be staged in Abu Dhabi, with more than 2,000 athletes from 150 nations expected to compete – a testament to the confidence enjoyed by the UAE Federation.“
Ali Khoury emphasised that the event is a “transformative moment in the history of the sport,” remarking that “bringing the event outside Europe and into an Arab nation for the first time reflects the UAE’s distinguished position, adding that the championship is a valuable addition to the calendar of major sporting events.” He credited the unwavering support of UAE leadership for elevating the Federation’s global standing.
This upcoming championship not only cements Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a host for world-class events but also signals a major leap forward for kickboxing and Muay Thai in the region and beyond.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
