Page 127 - MOS PR REPORT - OCT 2025

10/7/25, 9:38 AM UAE Launches Obstacle Sports Federation to Boost National and International Participation - Sport & Gulf Magazine
Federation, the official governing body responsible for organising and developing this sport. Its aim is
to promote the sport within the UAE, highlighting its competitive nature that combines physical fitness,

endurance and mental skills, paving the way for international recognition.Obstacle sports such as
OCR, Adventure, Ninja, Callisthenics, and Obstacle Racing are practised across over 77 countries

worldwide, including 30 Asian nations. There are four federations for this sport within the continent, all
operating under the umbrella of the International Obstacle Sports Federation, headquartered in
Switzerland.His Excellency Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, extended his best wishes

for the success of the Federation’s Board of Directors, under the leadership of H.E. Abdulrahman Abu
Al Shawareb. He further stated that the Federation’s establishment marks a key milestone in

strengthening 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.His Excellency 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. H.E. 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.H.E. 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 H.E. 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.”His Excellency 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.His Excellency 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

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