emirates7 - The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation has announced that Abu Dhabi will host the World Kickboxing Championships (Masters and Seniors) from November 21 to 30, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
This will be the first time the championship is held outside Europe and in the Middle East, with around 2,000 athletes from 150 countries expected to participate, highlighting the UAE’s growing prominence and capability in hosting major international sporting events.
The hosting agreement between the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation was formalized during a signing ceremony attended by Roy Baker, President of WAKO, and Ali Khoury, Board Member of the UAE Federation.
Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and of the UAE Federation, described the event as a milestone in the UAE’s sporting achievements, reflecting the international community’s confidence in the country’s ability to deliver world-class competitions. He emphasized that the championship further establishes the UAE as a global hub for combat sports and provides an important platform to showcase the sport’s growth both locally and internationally.
Roy Baker expressed pride in selecting Abu Dhabi for this prestigious event, noting that the choice reflects the UAE’s rapid development in kickboxing and its position as a leading regional hub. He added that the International Federation follows a transparent recognition system similar to the Olympics, and that hosting more than 2,000 athletes from 150 nations underscores the confidence placed in the UAE Federation.
Ali Khoury highlighted the significance of bringing the championship outside Europe for the first time, marking a transformative moment in the sport’s history and reinforcing the UAE’s distinguished status. He also expressed gratitude to the nation’s leadership for their continued support of kickboxing and Muay Thai, which has strengthened the Federation’s regional and global standing.
This will be the first time the championship is held outside Europe and in the Middle East, with around 2,000 athletes from 150 countries expected to participate, highlighting the UAE’s growing prominence and capability in hosting major international sporting events.
The hosting agreement between the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation was formalized during a signing ceremony attended by Roy Baker, President of WAKO, and Ali Khoury, Board Member of the UAE Federation.
Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and of the UAE Federation, described the event as a milestone in the UAE’s sporting achievements, reflecting the international community’s confidence in the country’s ability to deliver world-class competitions. He emphasized that the championship further establishes the UAE as a global hub for combat sports and provides an important platform to showcase the sport’s growth both locally and internationally.
Roy Baker expressed pride in selecting Abu Dhabi for this prestigious event, noting that the choice reflects the UAE’s rapid development in kickboxing and its position as a leading regional hub. He added that the International Federation follows a transparent recognition system similar to the Olympics, and that hosting more than 2,000 athletes from 150 nations underscores the confidence placed in the UAE Federation.
Ali Khoury highlighted the significance of bringing the championship outside Europe for the first time, marking a transformative moment in the sport’s history and reinforcing the UAE’s distinguished status. He also expressed gratitude to the nation’s leadership for their continued support of kickboxing and Muay Thai, which has strengthened the Federation’s regional and global standing.