The International Muay Thai Federation has commended the success of the Arab Professional Championship (“Fight Night”) organized by the Arab Muay Thai Federation on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Space 42 Arena in Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, with participation from 28 fighters representing 14 Arab countries.
The championship highlighted the advanced position Muay Thai has achieved in the Arab world, reflecting the plans of the Arab Muay Thai Federation, led by Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, to develop the sport and continue organizing programs and competitions aimed at building a broad base of practitioners and champions capable of representing their countries in international events.
Stephen Fox, the Secretary-General of the International Muay Thai Federation, expressed: “We are delighted to be in Abu Dhabi for the Arab Professional Muay Thai Championship. We witnessed an excellent level of Arab professionals that reflects their professional capabilities and confirms the strength of the championship in its debut in the Arab professional scene. We also appreciate the organizational level, the audience, and the fantastic atmosphere of the event. We commend the Arab Federation’s initiative to organize such an event in this wonderful location.”
He added: “The International Federation takes pride in the level of Arab professionals and the progress of the sport across Arab countries, thanks to the remarkable efforts of the Arab Federation. I would like to extend my congratulations to Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Arab Federation, for the impressive success of the first edition of the championship, the strong performances, and the significant progress we are witnessing in the UAE and the Arab world in Muay Thai’s development.”
Fox continued: “We have great news for all Arab federations, as Muay Thai has been included in the agenda of the Islamic Games, and we look forward to seeing everyone in Riyadh in 2025.”
In turn, Tarek Mohamed Al Mehairi, Secretary-General of the Arab Muay Thai Federation, stated: “We are proud of the International Muay Thai Federation’s praise and the strong start of the Arab Professional Championship, which confirmed the capabilities and skills of elite Arab fighters. The championship is a result of the guidance and support of Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Arab Federation, and his dedication to providing initiatives and competitions that support the development of Muay Thai in the Arab world and prepare players for continental and global events. We express our pride in the levels witnessed at the championship and the wonderful Arab gathering in Abu Dhabi. We congratulate all the Arab federations on the success of the sporting carnival and all the winning champions and participants, and we thank Stephen Fox, the Secretary-General of the International Muay Thai Federation, for attending the championship and supporting the growth of the sport in the Arab world and beyond.”
But what about the notable absence of Moroccan fighters, who were once prominent in this sport? Has Muay Thai become a domain for those with financial means?
