Dubai: The Ministry of Sports has established the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation, the official governing body responsible for organising and developing obstacle sports within the country. The Federation aims to promote the sport in the UAE, highlighting its competitive nature that combines physical fitness, endurance, and mental skills, and paving the way for international recognition.
According to Emirates News Agency, obstacle sports such as OCR, Adventure, Ninja, Callisthenics, and Obstacle Racing are practised in over 77 countries worldwide, including 30 Asian nations. These activities are supported by four federations within Asia, all operating under the umbrella of the International Obstacle Sports Federation, headquartered in Switzerland.
Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, extended his best wishes to the Federation’s Board of Directors, led by Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb. He stated that the Federation’s establishment marks a key milestone in strengthening the UAE’s sports sector. This aligns with the Ministry’s efforts to diversify national sports, offer athletes new avenues for competition, and promote wider community participation to foster a healthy and active society.
Dr Al Falasi also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Federation in fostering an advanced organisational and technical ecosystem. This includes identifying, developing, and nurturing talent, while hosting international championships to enhance the UAE’s pioneering stature in the global sports domain. Initial steps have been taken to promote this sports category, including its inclusion in upcoming editions of school and university games, investing in a new generation of athletes capable of competing and excelling in a wide range of sports.
Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb, President of the UAE Obstacle Sports Federation, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports and Dr Al Falasi. He stated the Federation looks forward to building a comprehensive institutional framework to promote obstacle sports across all segments of Emirati society, enhancing physical fitness and nurturing talents to represent the UAE on international platforms.
He also mentioned that the Federation will collaborate with the Ministry of Sports and relevant entities to organise local, regional, and international tournaments in line with global standards. The Federation aims to strengthen cooperation with regional federations and the The F©d©ration Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO) to foster strategic partnerships and exchange expertise, supporting the UAE’s broader sports development goals.
In the UAE, obstacle sports have seen significant growth, with 52 registered events held nationwide last year. Statistics indicate that approximately 9,000 citizens and residents actively practise this sport, leading to the decision to create a national federation for its development.
Notably, Dubai hosted the World Obstacle Championship in December 2024, organised by Dubai Police at Dubai Police Officer’s Club and Dubai Design District (D3). The event garnered public interest, participation, and international acclaim due to its meticulous organisation and competition.
Obstacle races feature natural or artificial barriers that athletes must overcome in the shortest possible time. Competitions are held across male, female, and mixed categories in individual, pairs, and four-person race types. The sport is gaining popularity across the Gulf and Arab world, with several countries establishing national federations to support its development.