Abu Dhabi - UAE
The Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, continues to strengthen its presence as a leading global destination for sports and entertainment, following the conclusion of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the Emirates Wrestling Federation, a five-year strategic agreement with the Real American Freestyle Organization (RAF). This extended partnership will launch its first highly anticipated tournament at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island on November 14, 2026, with the participation of an elite group of world and Olympic champions.

International fights that bring together top stars

Fans are anticipating exceptional confrontations in the inaugural tournament, as Emirati martial arts star Hamza Chimaev headlines the main bouts card in the organization’s first appearance in the Middle East. The event also witnesses the legendary participation of the most prominent fighting and wrestling champions around the world, including Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder, and Abdul Rashid Saadulaev, making the capital a destination for fans of excitement and sports enthusiasm.

A strategic vision for developing sports
Emphasizing the importance of this step, Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Secretary-General of the Emirates Wrestling Federation, highlighted the future gains of the event by saying: “This five-year partnership represents an important step in the development of the sport of wrestling in the UAE. Hosting an elite group of the most prominent international athletes and events in Abu Dhabi will contribute to strengthening the country’s position on the global wrestling scene, in addition to inspiring the next generation of athletes and supporting the sustainable development of this sport.”

Promising tourism and investment dimensions

These tournaments open wide horizons for the Arab visitor and investor alike. It provides tourists with an exceptional opportunity to combine enjoying the most powerful combat tournaments and exploring Abu Dhabi’s luxurious tourist and cultural attractions on Yas Island. From an economic standpoint, sustainable hosting of these major events enhances the flow of sports tourism and supports the hospitality and retail sectors, providing lucrative investment opportunities in the fields of entertainment and sports advertising within an Emirati market characterized by advanced infrastructure and economic stability that is attractive to Arab and international investments.