Abu Dhabi is set to host 2,000 athletes from 150 nations at ADNEC
Abu Dhabi is stepping into the global spotlight once again, this time as the host of the World Kickboxing Championships (Masters and Seniors).
Set to take place from 21 to 30 November 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this is a landmark moment not just for the UAE, but for the entire Middle East, as this will be the first time the championships are held outside Europe.
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With 2,000 elite athletes from over 150 countries expected to compete, this event marks a major milestone in the UAE’s rise as a world leader in international sports, especially in the realm of combat disciplines.
The official hosting agreement was signed during a special ceremony between the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, attended by key figures from both bodies.
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The collaboration highlights the growing global trust in the UAE’s ability to deliver top-tier international sporting events.
Hosting the event reflects the UAE’s rapid progress in the sport, the strength of its facilities, and the country’s commitment to becoming a global hub for combat sports.
This is a major moment for the sport itself too.
Moving the World Kickboxing Championships to an Arab nation for the first time marks a shift in the global landscape, opening doors for more inclusive, international participation and giving a whole new audience the chance to engage with world-class kickboxing.
The excitement around the event is already building. From seasoned professionals to national teams and passionate fans, the spotlight will be on Abu Dhabi this November.
Backed by the vision of the UAE’s leadership, the event is shaping up to be a celebration of skill, culture, and international unity.
Get set because in November 2025, Abu Dhabi becomes the beating heart of the global kickboxing community.
21–30 November 2025, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit wako.sport
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