Global taekwondo focus turns to Fujairah with two championships set for 2026
World-ranked athletes expected at Zayed Sports Complex in early February
DUBAI – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the emirate will host two major Taekwondo championships at international and Arab levels in February 2026.
The back-to-back events are set to draw elite athletes from around the world, reinforcing Fujairah’s reputation as a preferred destination for high-profile sporting competitions. Both tournaments will be staged at the Zayed Sports Complex, a venue that has become synonymous with large-scale martial arts events.
Fujairah will first stage the 13th Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championships from 1 to 5 February 2026. This will be followed by the 6th Arab Cup Taekwondo Championship, scheduled from 7 to 9 February. Officials expect strong participation from international and Arab federations, continuing the steady growth seen in recent editions.
A global platform
The Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championships is regarded as one of the most prominent annual events on the World Taekwondo Federation calendar. Since its inception in 2013, the tournament has expanded significantly, transforming from a modest competition into a global meeting point for elite athletes. The championship carries a G2 classification, allowing participants to earn valuable world ranking points, which has further elevated its competitive standing.
This status has made the event particularly attractive to top-ranked athletes and Olympic contenders. Previous editions have featured competitors who have represented their countries at multiple Olympic Games, adding to the championship’s international prestige and technical quality.
Sporting vision
Hosting the two championships aligns with the broader vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi to support sports development and athlete excellence. The initiative reflects Fujairah’s strategic focus on strengthening its presence on the international sporting map while contributing to the advancement of Taekwondo at local, regional, and global levels.
Dr Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Director of the Office of His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah and President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, said the events highlight the UAE’s strong international standing in organising major sporting championships to the highest standards. He noted that the Fujairah Open has become a key fixture on the global Taekwondo calendar, offering world-class competition and important ranking opportunities.
Dr Al Zeyoudi added that such championships play a direct role in developing athletes’ skills and enhancing the UAE’s visibility within the international Taekwondo community, while also encouraging cultural and sporting exchange.
Event preparations
Preparations for both championships are progressing according to a comprehensive organisational plan, according to Nader Abu Shawish, Director of the Fujairah Martial Arts Club. He said the aim is to deliver an event that reflects Fujairah’s reputation for excellence in hosting international sports competitions.
Abu Shawish highlighted that the championships provide a valuable platform for interaction and knowledge exchange among athletes from different countries. He also stressed the club’s commitment to fostering a competitive environment that supports national talent development and enhances athletes’ technical abilities.
Record-breaking growth
The rapid expansion of the Fujairah Open was underscored during its 12th edition in 2025, when the championship entered the Guinness World Records with the participation of 2,332 athletes. The field included competitors who had taken part in recent Olympic Games, including Paris 2024. This marked a dramatic rise from the inaugural edition in 2013, which featured around 150 participants.
The Arab Cup Taekwondo Championship has followed a similar growth trajectory. Recent editions have recorded participation of more than 1,000 athletes from across the Arab world. The 2025 edition welcomed approximately 1,534 competitors, reflecting the tournament’s growing regional importance and appeal.