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8/15/25, 9:02 AM Walid Abdulkarim becomes first Emirati to get IFBB doctorate

Walid Abdulkarim becomes first Emirati to get IFBB

doctorate

Last updated: August 13, 2025 | 23:20

Dr. Walid Abdulkarim (third right) receives doctorate degree from Dr. Rafael Santonja in presence of other dignitaries.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In a landmark moment for UAE sports, the International Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding
(IFBB), headquartered in Spain, has conferred a prestigious Doctorate in Bodybuilding upon Dr.
Walid Abdulkarim — making him the first-ever Emirati national to receive this distinguished
honor. The achievement marks a historic milestone for the nation’s bodybuilding community and

adds a new chapter to the country’s growing legacy in strength and fitness sports.

The honour was formally presented by IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja during a special

ceremony held on the sidelines of the Asian Championship, an event hosted and organized by
the Ajman Department of Tourism Development in collaboration with both the UAE Bodybuilding
and Fitness Federation and the International Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding.

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