UAE Bodybuilding Team Secures Ten Medals at World Championships in Madrid

The national team claimed five gold medals and three overall champion titles at the IFBB World Championships, reinforcing the UAE's standing in elite fitness competition.

The UAE national bodybuilding and fitness team returned from Madrid with a remarkable haul of ten medals from the World Championships organised by the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), held from 30th October to 1st November. The medals comprised five gold, three silver and two bronze, alongside three coveted overall champion titles that speak to the depth of talent within the squad.

Rashid Mohammed Al Habsi claimed gold in the men’s physique 176cm category and secured an overall champion title, while Tariq Mousa Mubarak triumphed in masters physique with his own overall championship. Abdullah Mubarak Al Mutairi earned gold in masters classic bodybuilding and the corresponding overall champion designation. Abdullah Hassan Al Marzouqi distinguished himself with two gold medals, winning in both the masters and men’s bodybuilding divisions.

The silver medal winners reflected the breadth of the team’s competitive reach: Khalid Bakhit Al Falasi in masters bodybuilding at 80kg, Abdullah Ahmed Al Falasi in men’s physique at 170cm, and Abdullah Ali Al Khattal Al Mehairi in masters physique. Ahmed Hassan Sulaiman Rustam and Mohammed Issa Al Baloushi secured bronze medals in the bodybuilding categories at 85kg and 65kg respectively.

This performance extends a broader narrative of Emirati athletic achievement on the world stage. The UAE judo team recently triumphed at the World Championships in Baku, demonstrating the nation’s consistent excellence across diverse sporting disciplines. Similarly, Emirati women have shone at international jiu-jitsu competitions, building momentum in combat and strength sports.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of the UAE Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, commended the athletes and the technical and administrative staff for their dedication and performance. He urged the team to maintain its competitive readiness as they prepare for the upcoming Asian Championships.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The medal sweep at the World Championships reflects the UAE’s sustained investment in athletic development and the calibre of coaching and training facilities available to competitors. Bodybuilding and fitness represent disciplines that demand exceptional dedication, nutritional rigour and technical precision; the dominance of Emirati athletes in multiple categories signals a robust pipeline of talent and institutional support for these sports.

As the nation continues to host major international sporting events and develop elite athlete programmes, these victories strengthen the UAE’s reputation as a centre of competitive excellence. The upcoming Asian Championships offer an opportunity for the team to build upon this momentum and further establish the nation’s prominence in bodybuilding and fitness competition across the region.

Source: WAM