DCT Abu Dhabi and UAE Wrestling Federation sign five-year RAF partnership

A five-year agreement will see Real American Freestyle stage a series of professional wrestling events at Etihad Arena, beginning 14 November and headlined by Khamzat Chimaev.

Five‑year deal to bring RAF events to Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in cooperation with the UAE Wrestling Federation, has signed a five‑year partnership with Real American Freestyle (RAF) to host a sequence of professional wrestling events in the emirate. The agreement will commence on Saturday, 14th November, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

The opening card will be headlined by Emirati combat sports star Khamzat Chimaev; his opponent is to be announced. The event is also set to feature international names such as Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sadulaev, with matchups and full fight cards to follow in due course.

Abu Dhabi to be a key stop on RAF’s international calendar

RAF Abu Dhabi will represent the organisation’s third international show in its inaugural year, following events in Tbilisi and a sell‑out in Moscow. The long‑term agreement secures Abu Dhabi a central place in RAF’s expanding global schedule and supports the promoter’s plan to develop a sustained international platform for professional wrestling.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Secretary‑General of the UAE Wrestling Federation, described the partnership as an important advance for wrestling in the UAE. He said that hosting leading athletes and major international events will strengthen the country’s standing in the sport, inspire future competitors and aid long‑term development.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director‑General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the deal reflects the emirate’s strategy of cultivating enduring strategic partnerships and drawing premier international sporting events. He added that RAF’s presence will enrich Abu Dhabi’s sporting calendar, offer residents and visitors access to top‑level combat sport and support sustainable growth in events and sports tourism.

Chad Bronstein, CEO and Co‑Founder of RAF, highlighted Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure, strategic vision and experience of hosting major international spectacles as reasons the city is suited to the next stage of the organisation’s expansion.

Further matchups, ticketing information, event‑week activities and broadcast arrangements will be announced in the coming weeks.

Source: WAM