Under the blessed nights of Ramadan, the desert of Abu Dhabi will once again transform into a stage of honor, resilience, and excellence. From February 23 to March 17, 2026, the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ramadan Championship, Al Wathba will unite elite Muaythai champions in a celebration where sport meets culture, tradition, and community spirit.

Organized by the UAE Muaythai Federation in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and staged at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Festival grounds, this championship stands as the largest of its kind in the UAE. Among 15 sporting disciplines, Muaythai proudly takes its place as one of the leading attractions, where warriors compete not only for titles, but for honor and national pride.

With a total prize pool of AED 10 million across all sports, the competition carries intensity. Yet the true value of this championship lies far beyond financial reward. It lies in inspiration. It lies in opportunity. It lies in the UAE’s long-term vision of Sport for All.

A Nation’s Vision: Sport for All

The United Arab Emirates has positioned sport as a central pillar of its national development strategy—promoting health, unity, youth empowerment, and international friendship. From grassroots initiatives in schools to elite global championships, the UAE’s approach is clear: sport is not a privilege for a few; it is a platform for everyone.

Abu Dhabi, in particular, has emerged as a global centre of sport and excellence. The Emirate has successfully hosted the Open Masters Games, proving that excellence has no expiration date. It delivered outstanding editions of the IFMA Youth and Senior World Championships, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding, professionalism, and athlete welfare.

Through these events, the UAE has demonstrated a holistic model of sport development:

  • Investing in youth pathways
  • Supporting elite performance
  • Promoting inclusivity across gender and age
  • Upholding the highest international governance standards

The Ramadan Championship reflects this philosophy perfectly. During a month defined by discipline, reflection, and unity, athletes from diverse backgrounds gather on one stage, professionals, amateurs, Emiratis, and international competitors, standing equal inside the ring.

More Than a Tournament

Each evening from late afternoon until midnight, Al Wathba will pulse with energy. Families will gather. Young athletes will watch their heroes. Champions will test their limits.

The medical checks and weigh-ins have already been completed with precision, underscoring the UAE’s unwavering commitment to safety and IFMA-level standards. Organization is meticulous. Vision is long-term. Purpose is clear.

For local Emirati talent, this championship is a gateway, an opportunity to gain high-level experience and measure themselves against the best. For international athletes, it is an honor to compete during Ramadan in a country that blends modern excellence with deep cultural respect.

Muaythai, rooted in values of respect, courage, humility, and honor, aligns naturally with this vision.

When the fighters step into the ring in Al Wathba, they represent more than clubs or nations. They represent ambition. They represent unity. They represent a country that believes sport builds stronger communities and stronger futures.

This championship is not simply an event on the calendar.

It is a reflection of a national philosophy.
It is a celebration of culture and excellence.
It is a powerful statement that the UAE is not only hosting sport, it is shaping a legacy of Sport for All.

And under the Ramadan sky, as the desert lights shine and the warriors rise, the message will resonate clearly:

In the UAE, sport is opportunity.
Sport is unity.
Sport is a vision for the future.