Dakar:The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made a significant leap in the standings at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, advancing nine places to rank joint 18th alongside Portugal. This advancement comes after the UAE increased its medal tally to four, marking its best performance in the history of its participation in the Youth Olympic Games.
According to Wam, the UAE's medal haul includes two golds, one silver, and one bronze. The gold medals were secured by Riyan Malhan in the boys' singles badminton event and Saeed Omar in the men's 400 metres. Arwa Ali earned a silver medal in the women's 100 metres, while Aisha Mohammed claimed bronze in the women's 400 metres.
The UAE delegation celebrated the national athletics team's achievements at its residence in Dakar, with notable figures such as Saeed Hamdan Al Naqbi, UAE Ambassador to Senegal, and Major-General Mohammed Abdullah Al Murr, Member of the Board of Directors of the UAE Olympic Committee and President of the UAE Athletics Federation, in attendance. Other dignitaries included Kholoud Al Dhaheri, Member of the Board of Directors of the UAE Olympic Committee, Mohammed bin Darwish, Executive Director of the UAE Olympic Committee, Ahmed Al Tayeb, Head of the UAE Delegation, and Jamila Abdulrahman, Member of the Board of Directors of the UAE Athletics Federation.
Al Murr highlighted the historic significance of the national athletics team's success, noting that the achievements represent the continued development of UAE athletics. He emphasized the importance of the gold, silver, and bronze medals as indicators of the athletes' capabilities to compete at the Olympic level. Al Murr praised the athletes' podium finishes as a reflection of the effective preparation and strategic work of the Federation.
He further explained that the medals are the result of a sustainable strategy focusing on talent identification, athlete development, and investment in younger age groups. This accomplishment builds on previous continental successes, demonstrating the UAE's potential to develop athletes capable of reaching Olympic podiums. Al Murr affirmed the Federation's commitment to expanding its talent base and enhancing international participation.
In other events, the UAE archery team, consisting of Khalifa Al Kaabi and Huda Al Ali, is set to conclude its participation against Egypt in the mixed team event. Additionally, Sultan Al Hammadi will complete his cycling campaign in the 8.5-kilometre individual time trial, and UAE boxer Moaz Wael will begin his campaign in the 70kg division quarter-finals against Ghana's Robert Amartey.