Wrestling in Ras Al Khaimah is set for a new phase of development, with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi backing the UAE Wrestling Federation's plans to expand the sport's presence in the emirate. The Federation's Secretary General, Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, led a delegation to present their vision at the Nad Al Habbi Majlis, outlining steps to bring wrestling to a wider audience.
A key part of the Federation's proposal is to host a beach wrestling event in Ras Al Khaimah, aiming to attract new participants and highlight the sport's adaptability. The Federation also wants to work more closely with local sports clubs, encouraging them to include wrestling in their regular activities and talent programs. This approach is designed to find and develop new athletes, making wrestling more accessible to young people and sports fans across the emirate. According to Sharjah24, these plans were formally presented to the Crown Prince at Nad Al Habbi on 18 September 2026, where the expansion efforts, including the beach tournament and club partnerships, were confirmed.
On the same day as the Nad Al Habbi meeting, Etihad Airways signed a memorandum of understanding with the UAE Wrestling Federation, becoming its official airline and strategic partner.
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During the meeting, the Crown Prince was updated on the Federation's recent achievements, its competition calendar for the 2025-2026 season, and its methods for discovering and developing talent. The Federation's leadership stressed their goal of increasing the number of active wrestlers and raising the level of competition, with a focus on making wrestling a regular part of the sports scene in Ras Al Khaimah. Sharjah24 reports that the Federation's agenda goes beyond the beach event, including broader efforts to build up the sport, scout for talent, and launch new competitions in the coming season.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi highlighted the value of supporting a range of sports and giving federations the tools to carry out their development plans. His position matches the UAE's broader push to raise the profile and competitiveness of its sports sector. The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Arhama bin Saud bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Director of the Crown Prince's Office, and Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Saud bin Khalid Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince's private secretary. According to Sharjah24, the Crown Prince's support for sports development is in line with the emirate's policy of building up sports infrastructure and encouraging wider participation.
This focus on wrestling comes as the UAE continues to build its reputation as a regional sports hub, hosting major events in different disciplines. For example, the country's commitment to high-profile sports was seen when Abu Dhabi and Dubai secured major golf tournaments, showing the UAE's ambition and ability to organize large-scale events.
In parallel with wrestling initiatives, official WAM reports from 18 September 2026 highlight that Ras Al Khaimah is serving as a venue for a range of other sports projects and events, reflecting a strong administrative commitment to expanding the emirate's role in the national sports landscape.
WAM
Ras Al Khaimah's active partnership with the UAE Wrestling Federation shows a clear intention to play a bigger role in the country's sports scene. By focusing on wrestling and supporting federations in their growth plans, the emirate is working to become a center for talent development and new sporting events. If these efforts continue, wrestling could become a regular part of Ras Al Khaimah's sports identity and create new opportunities for local athletes and clubs.
