The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has extended its successful partnership with Palms Sports, organiser of UAE Warriors, which will see the emirate host the Middle East’s premier mixed martial arts promotion for an additional three years.
Established in 2012, UAE Warriors has cultivated an international reputation amongst industry leaders and fans alike through the consistent delivery of action-packed match ups and top-tier production. This renewed agreement not only solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for combat sports, but also marks a historic expansion, bringing the thrilling action of mixed martial arts to the emirate’s Al Ain Region for the first time.
Al Ain Region will host two UAE Warriors events during the 2025 season, with an additional two events per annum planned for the 2026-2028 period.
Expansion outside of Abu Dhabi City underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings and showcasing Al Ain Region as a destination for sports entertainment and cultural experiences. The move is set to attract a new wave of visitors and further bolster Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation on the global martial arts stage.
His Excellency Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi is growing in prominence as a global sports hub through the continuous expansion of our network of international and regional partnerships, resulting in an array of top-tier sporting events being hosted in the emirate. This extension of our partnership with Palms Sports marks a new chapter for UAE Warriors, bringing an exciting programme of mixed martial arts to Al Ain Region for the first time. New audiences will discover Al Ain Region’s unique destination offering and its potential as a home for future sporting events. We look forward to welcoming fans and athletes to experience the thrill of UAE Warriors in this beautiful area of Abu Dhabi.”
The signing, held as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week 2025 programming anchored by UFC Fight Night, is part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s diverse portfolio of sports partnerships and activities, which together serve as a powerful engine for culture and tourism development, in line with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.
Fouad Darwish, CEO and Managing Director of Palms Sports, said: “We are proud to extend our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi and bring UAE Warriors to the culturally rich and dynamic Al Ain Region. With DCT Abu Dhabi’s unwavering support, UAE Warriors has grown from a regional platform into a globally recognised MMA promotion, providing a launchpad for elite talent and delivering world-class events that resonate with fans worldwide. Expanding to Al Ain Region marks a natural progression in this success story — a strategic move that will unlock new audiences, deepen community engagement, and reinforce the UAE’s standing as a premier destination for combat sports.”
DCT Abu Dhabi is committed to fostering a thriving sports ecosystem and enhancing the emirate’s appeal as a leading international sports entertainment destination. From UFC and Formula 1 to golf and basketball, these events attract global audiences and contribute significantly to Abu Dhabi’s economy.
