UAE Esports Federation names ten-player squad for 2026 Asian Games in Japan

By James Mercer • 15 September 2026, 12:16 • 3 mins read

The UAE Esports Federation has selected ten players for the Aichi Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, aiming to raise the standard of national teams and give Emirati talent direct experience against Asia's best. The move is part of a broader effort to develop players for international competition.

The UAE Esports Federation has announced a ten-player roster to represent the country at the Aichi Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. This marks a clear step in the federation's push to make UAE esports more competitive at the continental level.

Rather than a routine squad update, the federation is sending a message: Emirati players need real exposure to top-tier competition if they are going to improve. The Asian Games, one of the region's biggest multi-sport events, will provide that test.

Esports at the 2026 Asian Games will feature 11 medal events across 13 game titles, including Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, eFootball, PUBG Mobile, League of Legends, and Gran Turismo 7.

Kontan

The selected players are Sultan Abdul Rahman, Sultan Al Taheri, Abdullah Al Muhairi, Mohammed Al Bannai, Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Butti Al Mansouri, Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Mohammed Al Matroushi, Faris Al Mazrouei, and Harib Al Menhali. According to Al Bayan, this lineup has been confirmed by regional media. The federation says the choices reflect both current skill and long-term potential.

Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, president of the UAE Esports Federation, called the Asian Games a key moment for the program. He said that competing against Asia's strongest teams is necessary for building resilient squads and for measuring Emirati players against the best in the region. Al Bayan reports that the federation sees this as an important step in developing national teams and gaining experience at the highest level.

The UAE has made efforts in other mind sports before, such as preparing national chess teams for the Samarkand Olympiad, as previously reported. But this esports initiative stands out for its scale and its focus on long-term development, not just short-term results. Esports will be a medal event at the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled from 19 September to 4 October in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, according to Reuters. This reflects a wider shift in how digital sports are viewed in the region.

The esports competition at the Asian Games 2026 is set to take place at Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Aichi, from 23 September to 2 October. Organisers have confirmed that recent flooding in Nagoya will not disrupt the Games, following logistical and safety reviews.

Reuters

For the players, the Asian Games will be a real test of skill, focus, and adaptability. The federation's approach-prioritizing international experience over staying in familiar territory-shows a shift from symbolic participation to real competitive goals. Other countries, including Malaysia, have also updated their squads for the 2026 Games, with team managers citing the need to match current player form and strategy, as reported by Reuters.

By naming a full-strength team and setting out a clear development plan, the UAE Esports Federation is moving beyond ceremonial appearances and toward serious international competition. If this approach continues, the UAE could soon be aiming for medals, not just participation.

Topics: Esports Athlete Stories #Players & Athletes #Competitions & Events #Emirates Esports Federation

UAE CUE Sports Desk

James Mercer

James Mercer is the Co-Founder, Owner, Publisher and Managing Director of UAE CUE Sports, where he shapes the publication's editorial direction and long-term development. His work focuses on UAE sport, major events, sports media, venues and the business behind the country's sporting ecosystem, with an emphasis on verified information, practical context and editorial independence.