Mohammed Shaheen Al Hosani says the competition could help identify Emirati athletes for future national-team opportunities. The event also carries AED 400,000 in prize money.
Emirates Today reports that the competition will be held on the Agenda stage in Dubai Media City, with organisers expecting around 200 athletes.
Competition linked to a talent pathway
Al Hosani, the UAE federation's technical committee chairman, said the event would give organisers a chance to find Emirati competitors for possible national-team selection and future competitions.
Organising committee head Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Majid said the event would give athletes and emerging talents room to show and develop their abilities. That is the goal.
The federation's secretary-general, Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Marri, said it would support organising committees under the direction of Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi. Gulf Today reported the federation's support for the organisers and tournament committees.
Officials and judging arrangements
Gulf Today reported the AED 400,000 prize fund but did not detail how it will be divided among placing athletes. Available independent coverage also does not set out the exact category list or formal rules for national-team selection.
Al Majid outlined the event at a press conference at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai. Sheikh Abdullah, federation vice-president Ali bin Haider and sports officials attended. Sheikh Abdullah voiced confidence in the inaugural edition and praised the organisers' contribution to bodybuilding in the UAE.
A previous delegation report outlined plans for 15 Special Olympics athletes to compete in four sports at the MENA Games in Cairo. The report covered another UAE programme focused on sporting pathways.
Al Majid said organisers hope to make next year's event larger. They plan to expand the competition and increase participant numbers. Athletes can register now. The first test is whether open entry and the talent search draw a strong field. The prize money and stated national-team pathway give the event a purpose beyond adding another date to Dubai's sports calendar.
