Success at gulf games

According to a report issued by the federation, the national team won 15 medals at the Gulf Games Doha 2026, held from 11 to 22 May, including two gold, four silver and nine bronze medals.

Arab championship achievements

The team also claimed 10 medals at the 21st Arab Under-20 Championships, hosted by Tunisia during the final week of April, earning five gold medals, one silver and four bronze.

Asian championship excellence

The UAE continued its strong form at the 22nd Asian Under-20 Championships in Hong Kong from 28 to 31 May, collecting six medals, including five golds and one bronze, while finishing fourth overall among 30 participating nations.

Federation praises progress

Major General Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al Murr, President of the UAE Athletics Federation, said the achievements at Gulf, Arab and Asian levels reflect the national teams’ successful competitive pathway and continued progress in sprint, relay and field events. He noted that the performances included new national, continental and world records, demonstrating the UAE’s growing pool of talented athletes capable of competing against leading nations.

Focus on future goals

Al Murr said the athletes showed a strong ability to handle competitive pressure, reflecting the quality of technical work carried out in recent years and the success of talent identification, development and preparation programmes, supported by the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports.

He added that the next challenge is to maintain this momentum and continue progressing towards global competitions, strengthening the UAE’s standing in athletics through cooperation with clubs and sports councils.

Standout performances in Hong Kong

Al Murr highlighted several notable achievements at the Asian Championships, led by Suleiman Abdulrahman in the men's 400 metres with a time of 44.85 seconds, Aminat Qamar Al Din in the women's 400 metres with 52.72 seconds, Mariam Karim in the women's 400-metre hurdles with 56.93 seconds, and Abdulqadoos Ahmed Ali in the men's 200 metres with 20.85 seconds.

Relay teams and field events shine

He also praised the mixed 4x400-metre relay team of Saeed Omar, Aminat Qamar Al Din, Suleiman Abdulrahman and Mariam Karim, which set a championship record of 3:18.81. Additional standout performances came from Salma Haitham Al Marri in the women's hammer throw with 55.42 metres, Arwa Ali in the women's 100 metres with 11.92 seconds, Laila Ahmed with 11.99 seconds, Aisha Tariq Mohammed in the women's 400 metres with 54.27 seconds, and the women's 4x100-metre relay team of Laila Saif, Arwa Ali, Ezza Nasser and Aisha Tariq, which recorded a time of 45.86 seconds.