Ministry of Sports Establishes UAE Obstacle Sports Federation Under Chairmanship of H.E. Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb
UAE, Monday, October 6, 2025 – The Ministry of Sports has officially announced the establishment of the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation, the governing body responsible for organising and developing obstacle sports nationwide. The Federation aims to promote the sport across the UAE, showcasing its competitive and dynamic nature that combines physical fitness, endurance, and mental agility, paving the way for international recognition.
Obstacle sports — which include OCR (Obstacle Course Racing), Adventure, Ninja, Calisthenics, and Obstacle Racing — are now practised in over 77 countries worldwide, including 30 nations in Asia. Four continental federations currently operate under the umbrella of the International Obstacle Sports Federation (FISO), headquartered in Switzerland.
H.E. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi: A Strategic Step Toward Diversifying UAE Sports
His Excellency Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, extended his best wishes to the Federation’s Board of Directors under the leadership of H.E. Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb, affirming that this milestone represents a pivotal moment in the continued diversification of the UAE’s sports ecosystem.
“The establishment of the Federation aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision to diversify national sports,” said H.E. Dr Al Falasi. “It reaffirms our commitment to developing organisational and technical frameworks that support the Federation’s goals.”
He emphasised that the Ministry of Sports will continue to provide full institutional support to the Federation to ensure the creation of an advanced and sustainable ecosystem that identifies, nurtures, and develops local talent, while hosting major international championships to elevate the UAE’s global standing in sports.
“The first step to promoting obstacle sports, expanding participation, and identifying new talents is including it in upcoming editions of school and university games,” H.E. Dr Al Falasi added. “This initiative reflects our focus on investing in the next generation of athletes who will carry forward the UAE’s sporting legacy.”
H.E. Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb: Building an Integrated Ecosystem for Obstacle Sports
H.E. Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb, President of the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Sports and to H.E. Dr Al Falasi for their trust and vision in establishing the Federation.
“We are deeply honoured by the trust placed in us to lead the Federation following its official establishment,” said H.E. Al Shawareb. “Our goal is to build an integrated institutional ecosystem that promotes obstacle sports across the UAE, enhances public health, and identifies talents capable of representing the nation on international platforms.”
He confirmed that the Federation will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Sports and relevant entities to organise local, regional, and international competitions in line with global standards, while attracting world-class championships to strengthen the UAE’s reputation as a regional hub for sports excellence.
“Moving forward, we will focus on strengthening cooperation with regional federations and the Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO) to foster strategic partnerships and exchange expertise, supporting the UAE’s broader sports development goals,” he added.
Rapid Growth and Global Recognition
The sport has seen remarkable growth in the UAE, with 52 registered events held nationwide in the past year. Statistics indicate that approximately 9,000 citizens and residents actively practise obstacle sports, underscoring the importance of establishing a national body to oversee its continued development.
Notably, Dubai hosted the World Obstacle Championship in December 2024, organised by Dubai Police at the Dubai Police Officers Club and Dubai Design District (D3). The event attracted widespread public attention and international acclaim for its professional organisation and high level of competition.
Obstacle races typically feature natural or artificial barriers that athletes must overcome in the shortest time possible. Competitions are held across male, female, and mixed categories, with formats including individual, pairs, and four-person races.
The sport continues to gain traction across the Gulf and Arab region, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Kuwait, and Bahrain having already established national federations dedicated to its advancement.
H.E. Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb concluded:
“By formalising the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation, we are taking a significant step toward empowering athletes, engaging communities, and positioning the UAE as a leader in this fast-growing international discipline.”
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