Page 130 - MOS PR REPORT - OCT 2025

10/7/25, 9:39 AM Ministry of Sports establishes UAE Obstacle Sports Federation with Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb as president - Aletihad News C…
Directors, under the leadership of Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb.

He said the 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.

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.

As the first president of the new federation, Al Shawareb extended his gratitude to the sports ministry and Dr. Al Falasi.

Ministry of Sports establishes UAE Obstacle Sports Federation with Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb as president

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“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.

“Moving forward, we will focus on strengthening cooperation with regional federations and the Fédération
Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles. This is to foster strategic partnerships and exchange expertise in support of 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.

Notably, Dubai hosted the World Obstacle Championship in December 2024, where the event garnered widespread
public interest and participation.

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 team
formats.

In addition, the sport is also gaining popularity across the Gulf and Arab world, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman,
Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Kuwait, and Bahrain staging events.
Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi

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