The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation has launched the UAE Muay Thai Cup, a new national competition and the first of its kind in the country, as a distinctive addition to the 2026–27 Emirates Champions Season. The cup unfolds across three rounds: two qualifying rounds in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, followed by the Finals in Abu Dhabi in January 2027.

For the first time, UAE Muay Thai athletes will compete in a structured, season-long title race that links regional qualification to a single national final. Men and women will contest 24 weight divisions across two age groups, with 96 finalists earning their place in the decisive Finals. Alongside the individual titles, clubs will compete for the cup itself through a points system built on the results of their athletes.

Round 1 will take place in Abu Dhabi, from 17 to 19 November 2026 for clubs from the emirate of Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Round 2 will take place in Dubai, from 7 to 9 December 2026 for clubs from Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The Finals will be held in Abu Dhabi, on 23 and 24 January 2027, where the 96 qualifiers will compete to decide the cup champions in every division.

Each athlete competes in one qualifying round only, determined by the location of their club. The top two finishers in every division at each round qualify for the finals, giving four finalists per division.

The Finals will follow a knockout format, built on a crossover draw that brings the two regions face to face: Semi-final 1, in which the Round 1 winner meets the Round 2 runner-up, Semi-final 2, in which the Round 2 winner meets the Round 1 runner-up; and the final, in which the two semi-final winners fight for the cup title in their division, while the two semi-final losers contest third place.

Men and women compete in 24 weight divisions across two age groups: Seniors (17 to 40 years) and Under 24 (17 to 23 years), within a competitive system that gives athletes a clear pathway from the qualifying rounds to the fight for the cup title.

The competition extends to club level through a points system based on the final results of each club’s athletes. The leading club lifts the cup, the runner-up receives the Shield, and the third-placed club is awarded the Medal. Dedicated cash prizes are also awarded to the division champions and the top three clubs.

The launch of the cup forms part of the federation’s strategy to develop the domestic competition system and create sustainable competitive pathways that raise the technical level of athletes. It strengthens the role of clubs in identifying and refining talent, widens the base of the sport, and supports the progress of the national teams.

The cup is one of the key milestones of the 2026–27 Emirates Champions Season, which brings together domestic championships and international commitments to keep athletes competing and match-ready throughout the year.

His Excellency Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, Vice President of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations, and President of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, said: “The UAE Muay Thai Cup is a landmark addition to our domestic championship system and a new competitive pathway that reflects the federation’s plans to develop its competitions. Its progressive format, from the qualifying rounds through to the Finals and the crowning of champions, gives athletes and clubs continuous opportunities to compete and raise their technical readiness.

“The format of the Cup embodies our vision of a clear and sustainable pathway for building champions. It raises the value of domestic competition in preparing athletes and sharpening their skills, supports the role of our clubs in discovering and developing talent, and creates a strong base of athletes capable of progressing to represent the UAE in international competition.

“We look forward to strong technical performances that reflect how far UAE Muay Thai has come. We have every confidence that our athletes and clubs will deliver competition worthy of the goals of the Emirates Champions Season, widening the base of the sport and building new generations of champions.”