Fencing

Ali Al Hammadi named 2026's top rising épée referee

Ali Al Hammadi named 2026's top rising épée referee UAE Cue Sports © uaecuesports.com
Ali Al Hammadi named 2026's top rising épée referee © uaecuesports.com
The International Fencing Federation has named UAE official Ali Al Hammadi its rising referee of the year in épée for 2026. He is due to receive the honour at the federation's November congress in Hungary.

The presentation is planned for the International Fencing Federation's congress in Hungary in November 2026, Al Bayan reported. The newspaper also independently reported Al Hammadi's selection.

The selection puts a UAE official among fencing's internationally recognised emerging referees. It rewards officiating.

Al Bayan's account links the recognition to Al Hammadi's level of work and his duties at international competitions, but gives no tally of tournaments, bouts or international appointments.

Al Bayan

Recognition built on international officiating

The UAE Fencing Federation said the selection recognises Al Hammadi's level and his work at international competitions. The award is for épée refereeing, an achievement for an official as well as for UAE fencing.

Sheikh Engineer Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, president of the UAE and Asian fencing federations, congratulated Al Hammadi. He said the recognition adds to the UAE's sporting achievements. He credited the standing of national officials to the country's leadership and its support for sport and athletes.

L'Opinion Maroc reported that the men's and women's épée World Cup in Casablanca was scheduled for 15-18 October 2026 as an event on the international fencing calendar. That report does not establish that Al Hammadi was appointed to officiate at the competition.

L'Opinion Maroc

A distinct contribution to UAE sport

The UAE's sports institutions have also seen changes in leadership, including the new Paralympic board. Al Hammadi's honour is different: it recognises his work as an international official.

UAE fencing's reach extends beyond the competition floor. Its officials are earning international recognition, and Al Hammadi's selection brings refereeing into the picture alongside the country's achievements in sport.

James Mercer Founder, Owner, Publisher & Managing Director UAE Cue Sports
UAE CUE Sports Desk

James Mercer

James Mercer is the Founder, Owner, Publisher and Managing Director of UAE CUE Sports, where he oversees editorial direction and the publication's development across the Emirates. He writes about UAE sport, sports media, major events, venues, sports business and the wider relationship between participation, audiences and the country's sporting industry.