Page 125 - MOS PR REPORT - OCT 2025

10/7/25, 9:38 AM Ministry of Sports establishes UAE Obstacle Sports Federation | Emirates News Agency
the UAE’s sports sector, in line with the Ministry’s efforts to diversify national sports, offer athletes new avenues for competition, and promote
wider community participation to foster a healthy and active society.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Sports’ commitment to supporting the Federation, so that it can foster an advanced organisational and
technical ecosystem that identifies, develops, and nurtures talent, while hosting international championships to enhance the UAE’s pioneering
stature in the global sports domain. Dr Al Falasi added that the initial steps to promote this unique sports category are already underway, with
its inclusion in upcoming editions of school and university games. This underscores the importance of investing in a new generation of
athletes capable of competing and excelling in a wide range of sports.
Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb, President of the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation, on behalf of the Federation’s Board of Directors, extended
his sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Sports and Dr Al Falasi, stating: “We are deeply honoured by the trust placed in us to lead the
Federation following its official establishment. We look forward to building a comprehensive institutional framework that promotes obstacle
sports across all segments of Emirati society, enhancing their physical fitness and nurturing talents who can represent the UAE at
international platforms.”
He also said that the Federation will work closely with the Ministry of Sports and relevant entities to organise local, regional, and international
tournaments in line with global standards, supported by the sport’s rapid growth.
He added, “Moving forward, we will focus on strengthening cooperation with regional federations and the The Fédération Internationale de
Sports d’Obstacles (FISO). This is to foster strategic partnerships and exchange expertise, supporting the UAE’s broader sports development
goals.”
Across the UAE, this sports category has seen remarkable growth, with 52 registered events held nationwide last year. Recent statistics
indicate that approximately 9,000 citizens and residents actively practise this sport, which led to the decision of creating a national federation
to oversee its development.
Notably, Dubai hosted the World Obstacle Championship in December 2024, organised by Dubai Police at Dubai Police Officer’s Club and
Dubai Design District (D3). The event garnered widespread public interest, participation, and international acclaim due to its meticulous
organisation and immense competition.
Obstacle races feature natural or artificial barriers that athletes must overcome in the shortest possible time. Competitions are held across
male, female, and mixed categories, across individual, pairs, and four-person race types. In addition, the sport is gaining widespread
popularity across the Gulf and Arab world, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Kuwait, and Bahrain establishing
national federations dedicated to its development.

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