The UAE Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation has announced the launch of the sixth edition of the UAE Bodybuilding Championship on July 26 at The Agenda theatre in Dubai Media City, one of the most prominent and competitive championships the federation organises annually. The announcement was made at a press conference held at The Agenda complex in Dubai, attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Federation's Board of Directors; Ali Abdullah bin Haider, Vice President; Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Marri, Secretary General; Issa Al Dah, official partner of the championship; and a number of sports leaders involved in bodybuilding.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi extended his thanks and appreciation to all partners and sponsors for their continued support, stressing that the championship represents one of the key milestones of the sporting season and commending the efforts of the federation's strategic partners in supporting its success.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi noted that this reflects the growing confidence in the qualitative leap being witnessed by UAE bodybuilding, explaining that current partnerships could mark the beginning of a new phase of fruitful cooperation that contributes to developing UAE sport and enhancing its presence at various levels.
Mohammed Al Marri affirmed that the championship is among the most important tournaments the federation organises annually, as it serves as the principal event for selecting national team athletes ahead of upcoming international participations and competitions, commending the organising committee's efforts to deliver the championship in a distinguished manner befitting its significance.
Ahmed Jawhar, Board Member and Chairman of the National Teams and Competitions Committee, revealed that approximately 250 athletes are expected to participate in the championship, noting that the total prize pool will amount to 90,000 dirhams (AED). He called on athletes to register early to secure their participation and extended thanks and appreciation to all sponsors and partners.
Faisal Al Ghais Al Zaabi, Board Member and Chairman of the Referees Committee, explained that the championship will feature 17 referees, including 15 from among UAE nationals and residents, in addition to 2 referees from Gulf Cooperation Council countries — one from the Kingdom of Bahrain and another from the Sultanate of Oman. He noted that the competition will encompass approximately 25 categories across various weight and height classes in bodybuilding and physique disciplines.
Strategic partner Issa Al Dah welcomed hosting the event at The Agenda complex, affirming the organising committee's commitment to providing all necessary resources to ensure the championship's success and to building on the achievements of previous editions. He also praised the support and patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi for UAE bodybuilding, stressing that hosting the championship will serve as a first step towards further joint cooperation in the coming period.
The championship's media partner, Abdulaziz Abdullah, director of the Sport for All website, outlined the media coverage plans accompanying the event, which aim to highlight the championship and achieve wide media reach. He also revealed the introduction of a trophy bearing the "Sport for All" name, to be awarded to winners of first place in the overall standings across five categories — a first in the history of the UAE Bodybuilding Championship.
He explained that this award was first launched in 2018 to honour stars of the professional league, where it is presented to the best player, best goalkeeper, best coach, and best referee in each league round, noting that its inclusion in the UAE Bodybuilding Championship represents a new step in supporting athletes and motivating them to achieve further accomplishments.