Abu Dhabi has been chosen as the host city for the World Kickboxing Championships for Masters and Seniors, scheduled from 21st to 30th November 2025. The tournament, set to take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), marks the first time the championship will be staged outside Europe. With the participation of more than 2,000 athletes from 150 countries, the event underscores the UAE’s rising influence as a global hub for combat sports.
A landmark hosting agreement
The announcement followed a formal signing ceremony sealing the hosting agreement between the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation. The ceremony was attended by Roy Baker, President of WAKO, and Ali Khoury, Board Member of the UAE federation.This agreement represents a major milestone for the sport in the Middle East, as it extends the reach of one of kickboxing’s most important tournaments beyond European borders for the very first time.
UAE’s leadership in combat sports
Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and head of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, hailed the championship as a new achievement in the UAE’s sporting journey. He stressed that the country’s proven ability to deliver world-class sporting events has earned the trust of international federations.Al Neyadi added that the event highlights the UAE’s emergence as a global hub for combat sports, further supported by the sustained commitment of the nation’s leadership. According to him, the competition will also serve as a stage to present the development of Muay Thai and kickboxing at both local and international levels.
International recognition and global participation
For WAKO President Roy Baker, awarding the championship to Abu Dhabi is a reflection of the UAE’s rapid progress in kickboxing and its strength as a regional hub. He pointed out that the federation operates under a transparent recognition system, aligned with Olympic standards, and emphasised that more than 2,000 athletes from 150 nations are expected to compete in Abu Dhabi.“This is a proud moment for us,” Baker said, noting that the selection signals strong confidence in the UAE Federation’s role in the international kickboxing community.
A transformative step for the sport
Board Member Ali Khoury described the move as a transformative moment in the history of kickboxing. For the first time, the World Championships will be hosted in an Arab nation, a step that he said highlights the UAE’s distinguished global standing.Khoury underscored that the tournament adds value to the international sporting calendar while shining a spotlight on the UAE’s capacity to attract, organise, and elevate world-class competitions. He also expressed deep gratitude to the UAE leadership for its continuous support, which has enabled the Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation to strengthen its reputation at both regional and global levels.
Abu Dhabi’s expanding sporting footprint
The World Kickboxing Championships in November 2025 will not only draw global attention to Abu Dhabi but also strengthen its position as a preferred destination for major international sports events. From hosting combat sports to large-scale global competitions, the emirate has demonstrated strategic foresight and organisational capability that continue to make it a central stage for world athletics.