The united Arab emirates national bodybuilding team recently concluded a prosperous run at the World Bodybuilding Championships in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, bringing home a total of six medals. The November 26th competition, co-hosted by the IFBB and the saudi Arabian Bodybuilding Federation, saw nearly 1,600 athletes from 80 countries vying for top honors-marking a important international showing for the UAE’s growing bodybuilding programme [[1]]. This performance arrives as the UAE continues to invest in its sports sector and national identity [[3]], coinciding with the nation’s 54th National Day celebrations.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team delivered a strong performance at the World Bodybuilding Championships, which concluded November 26th in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Competing against nearly 1,600 athletes from 80 countries, the UAE team secured a total of six medals at the event, co-hosted by the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) and the Saudi Arabian Bodybuilding Federation.
Omar Al Muhairi claimed gold in the Men’s Physique category for athletes 170cm tall, while Chanel Abdeen triumphed in the Women’s Master Bodybuilding “45-49” age group, competing in the under 80kg weight class. Marwan Al Balushi added to the UAE’s medal count with a silver in the Master Classic Bodybuilding competition for the open weight class, in the 40-44 age bracket. Abdeen also secured a silver medal in the Men’s Bodybuilding under 75kg division.
Bronze medals were awarded to Matar Al Thahri in the Master Bodybuilding under 90kg category (45-49 age group) and Abdullah Al Marzooqi in the Master Bodybuilding “40-44” under 90kg division. The UAE team also achieved six top-six finishes, demonstrating the depth of talent within the program. Rashid Al Zaabi placed fourth in Master Physique, Ali Dhawi Al Naqbi finished fourth in Men’s Physique, and Mohammed Farhan Baroot took fourth in Men’s Classic Physique.
Abdullah Al Khtal secured a fifth-place finish in Master Physique, and Ahmed Mohammed Ali finished sixth in the same category. These results highlight the growing competitiveness of bodybuilding in the UAE and the dedication of its athletes.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of the UAE Bodybuilding Federation, praised the team’s achievements, recognizing the hard work and dedication of the athletes in reaching the global stage. He noted the timing of the success coincided with the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations. Sheikh Abdullah also commended the Saudi Arabian Bodybuilding Federation for its successful hosting of the championship, including the IFBB General Assembly meeting and the overall organization of the event.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi also acknowledged the efforts of Mohammed Shahin Al Hosni, head of the delegation, and Ahmed Jawhar, Chairman of the National Teams and Competitions Committees, as well as the technical and administrative staff of the national team. He expressed hope for those who did not medal to find success in future competitions.
Ahmed Jawhar, a member of the UAE Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s board of directors and Chairman of the National Teams and Competitions Committees, described the UAE team’s performance at the World Championships as a significant achievement, given the high level of global competition. He acknowledged that the athletes delivered strong performances, but the strength of the competition prevented them from securing more medals, expressing optimism for future success.
