From Qatar to Windsor: 10 UAE sporting successes that defined May
Riders, racers and teams deliver victories across multiple arenas
ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) enjoyed one of its most successful sporting months in recent memory during May, with athletes, teams and governing bodies collecting medals, titles and international recognition across a wide range of disciplines.
From dominant performances at the GCC Games in Qatar to victories on European roads, racetracks and endurance courses, Emirati sport continued to strengthen its reputation on the regional and global stage. The achievements also extended beyond competition, with international organisations recognising both Emirati athletes and sports institutions for their contributions and excellence.
Here are 10 of the biggest UAE sporting highlights from May:
UAE wins 66 medals at GCC Games
The UAE delegation delivered an impressive performance at the GCC Games in Qatar, finishing the event with a total of 66 medals. The haul included 13 gold, 19 silver and 34 bronze medals, underlining the country's strength across multiple sports and disciplines.
Endurance riders dominate at Royal Windsor Horse Show
Emirati riders showcased their world-class endurance credentials in the United Kingdom by sweeping the top three positions in the 120-kilometre two-star race at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. UAE competitors also secured first place in the 100-kilometre one-star event, extending the nation's long-standing success in endurance riding.
UAE stars triumph in France
The winning momentum continued in France, where Salem Malhoof Al Ketbi captured the Castelsagrat International Endurance 160-kilometre title. Fellow Emirati rider Fares Al Mansoori added another victory by taking the 120-kilometre crown, reinforcing the UAE’s dominance in international endurance competitions.
Omar Al Marzooqi receives Olympic recognition
The International Olympic Committee selected Emirati rider Omar Al Marzooqi as an Athlete Role Model for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The appointment represents significant international recognition and highlights the growing influence of Emirati athletes within the Olympic movement.
Fujairah horse championship earns Category A upgrade
In another boost for the UAE’s equestrian sector, the European Arabian Horse Show Organisation elevated the Fujairah International Arabian Horse Championship to Category A status. The upgrade places the event among the most prestigious Arabian horse competitions on the international calendar.
Junior athletics team breaks records
UAE track and field athletes delivered outstanding performances at youth level. The national team secured 10 medals at the 21st Arab Under-20 Championship in Tunisia, including five gold, one silver and four bronze medals. Several records were also broken during the competition, highlighting the emergence of a promising new generation of athletes.
Fourth place at Asian Under-20 Championship
The success continued at the 22nd Asian Under-20 Championship in Hong Kong. The UAE finished fourth overall among 30 participating nations after winning five gold medals and one bronze, one of the country's strongest performances in the competition's history.
Success in judo and motorsport
Combat sports and motorsport also delivered memorable results. Judoka Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko won gold in the under-78kg category at the Dushanbe Grand Slam in Tajikistan. UAE competitors added a silver and a bronze medal at the Astana Grand Slam in Kazakhstan.
Meanwhile, racing driver Rashid Al Dhaheri climbed to the top of the FIA Formula Regional Championship standings after securing two podium finishes at Belgium’s iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
UAE Team Emirates dominates cycling
The UAE’s cycling success continued across Europe. Slovenian star Tadej Pogačar won the Tour de Romandie in Switzerland during his first appearance in the race.
The UAE Youth Team also impressed by winning the Tour of Portugal, helped by three stage victories and a one-two finish in the overall classification through Matvei Boldyrev and Jaime Torres. French cyclist Benoît Cosnefroy added another milestone by securing his first win since joining UAE Team Emirates.
Rugby, rowing and administration earn international acclaim
Team Shaheen produced a historic performance at the Monaco International Sevens, winning the silver medal after reaching the final against the French champions.
In rowing, Al Hamriyah Modern Rowing Team claimed gold in the under-19 double sculls event at the Tunisia Olympic Classic Rowing Championship through Hamad Abdullah Al Housani and Salem Al Mansoori.
The month also brought recognition away from the field of play. The Asian Football Confederation's latest club rankings placed the UAE 12th in Asia and first among GCC and Arab nations in women’s football. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council further enhanced the country's reputation by winning seven gold trophies at the Sports Industry Awards Middle East, while also receiving two major honours at the International Sports Conference in London for the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon and the Active Hub initiative.