Glittering ceremony marks success of IFBB Academy Dubai
IFBB Fitness and Sports Academy in Dubai has unveiled a legacy of extraordinary achievements that have left an indelible mark on UAE's sports map since its inception in 2016.
A true beacon of excellence, the academy has organized an impressive 309 courses, attracting the participation of an astounding 8,334 trainers from across the globe. Its unwavering dedication to advancing fitness and bodybuilding has earned it the prestigious title of 'Best Academy Worldwide' not once, but twice—in 2018 and again in 2021—cementing its status as a global leader in the industry.
These remarkable accomplishments are a testament to the academy's relentless pursuit of excellence, its commitment to nurturing talent, and its pivotal role in elevating the standards of fitness and sports education in the region and beyond.
These milestones were announced during the academy's 10-year anniversary celebration held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai, attended by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Major General (Ret.) Pilot Abdullah Al Sayed Al Hashmi, Vice President of the UAE Golf Federation, Colonel Abdul Karim Mohamed Saeed, chairman of the IFBB Fitness and Sports Academy in Dubai, Engineer Walid Abdul Karim Muhammad Saeed, General Manager of the IFBB Fitness and Sports Academy in Dubai,
and a host of Arab and international sports leaders, along with nearly 300 athletes, including international lecturers, trainers, and distinguished sports achievers.
Dr. Rafael Santonja, International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation President, in a video message addressing the gathering said: 'I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Colonel Abdul Karim Mohamed Saeed, Chairman of the IFBB Fitness and Sports Academy in Dubai, as well as the officials and students of the academy.
'It is truly a momentous occasion to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the IFBB Academy Dubai. Sports serve as a universal meeting point for humanity, a powerful tool for education, and a beacon of hope for better health and fitness worldwide. This celebration is a testament to the academy's enduring legacy and its role in inspiring progress and unity.
'The IFBB Academy Dubai has set the high standards for excellence among all academies worldwide. As we look ahead to a promising future, I wish everyone at the academy continued success and fulfillment in their endeavors. The Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Abdullah, is doing remarkable work, and I am confident that even greater achievements lie ahead.'
Colonel Engineer Abdul Karim Mohammed Saeed, expressed his pride in the academy's positive contributions to sports by providing athletes with scientific knowledge and promoting a culture of safe and advanced sports practices to prevent injuries.
'He praised the collaborative efforts of the Emirates and International Fitness and Bodybuilding federations, as well as the academy's partners, which have played a pivotal role in achieving significant accomplishments over the past decade.'
He expressed hope for even greater success in the future.
Engineer Waleed Abdul Karim stated that the vision established in 2016 has been meticulously implemented to enhance sports practice through scientific methods and to produce specialized lecturers and trainers. He highlighted that the academy has graduated 32 trainers with master's degrees awarded by the IFBB and has granted 40 free scholarships to champion athletes, thereby fostering a culture of modern, technically sound sports practices.
The event also featured the recognition of partners, and a group of experts, trainers, and athletes, who expressed their joy and pride in being part of the academy's journey.
The masters' graduates and athletes were also feted on the occasion.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Ammar crowns winners of Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship
Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, on Tuesday attended the closing ceremony of the Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship. The event, hosted from June 15 to 17 at the Emirates Hospitality Centre in Ajman, brought together over 350 athletes from 23 countries. Sheikh Ammar stated that Ajman's hosting of this major continental event represents a significant step forward, underscoring the international community's confidence in the emirate and its ability to organise sporting events in accordance with the highest global standards. He emphasised that the championship showcased Ajman's advanced infrastructure, as well as its organisational and human capacities, which qualify it to host sporting events of all scales. Crown Prince of Ajman added: 'We take pride in the remarkable success of this championship, both in terms of organisation and technical execution — a success made possible by the seamless collaboration among all relevant entities — led by the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, which demonstrated its ability to deliver a world-class hosting experience.' He further stated: "Today, sports represent a core pillar of Ajman Vision 2030, given their role in enhancing the quality of life, stimulating tourism, and supporting the local economy.' He also highlighted the importance of building on this achievement to move forward in hosting more high-profile international events, strengthening Ajman's presence on the global sports map, and reinforcing its position as a preferred destination for athletes and visitors from around the world. He concluded by saying, "We look forward to hosting the World Bodybuilding Championship in Ajman in 2026, a new milestone that will reflect our continued commitment to advancing sports and developing the infrastructure needed to welcome the world's top talent in this field.' The closing ceremony was attended by Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development; Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation; and several senior officials from regional and international sports federations. The championship was successfully hosted through the collaborative efforts of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, and the Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation. With a strong focus on delivering excellence, the Department ensured that the event met the highest international standards, reinforcing Ajman's position as a leading destination for world-class sports events and tourism. Sheikh Abdulaziz praised the outstanding success of the championship, noting its crucial role in elevating Ajman's position on the international sporting stage. He highlighted the strategic impact of the event, stating: 'This prestigious championship provided an exceptional opportunity to showcase Ajman's organisational expertise, as well as its rich cultural and tourism appeal. In line with the vision of our leadership, it reaffirmed our dedication toward setting a benchmark in hosting premier sporting events in the region and abroad. By seamlessly merging sports with tourism, the event highlighted Ajman's state-of-the-art infrastructure while contributing significantly to the local economy and reviving both the tourism and hospitality industries." Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, said: 'This championship clearly reflected our ability to deliver world-class events and showcased the outstanding quality of Ajman's tourism landscape. It demonstrates the strength of partnerships, especially between the Ajman Department of Tourism Development and the UAE Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, in achieving excellence. Events like this support our strategic vision of advancing both tourism and sports sectors, ensuring Ajman remains fully prepared to host international competitions while maintaining the highest standards. It not only strengthens the emirate's position as a global hub for major events but also underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence in the international arena.' Sheikh Ammar awarded the winners across various categories at the closing ceremony. The UAE won the first place in the men's semi-pro master category, Syria took the second position, and Oman took the third. In the fitness challenge — best team bodybuilding category, Jordan secured the first place, while the UAE and Mongolia took the second and third positions, respectively.. In the men's semi-pro bodybuilding category, the UAE secured the first place, while Saudi Arabia and Oman settled for the second and third positions, respectively. The meticulously hosted championship witnessed the gathering of top bodybuilding athletes from across Asia, competing for coveted titles across multiple categories, and also drew strong public engagement. The dedicated efforts of the organisers, coupled with the support of Ajman's world-class infrastructure, have solidified the emirate's position as a leading global destination for major sporting events and international championships. Notably, Ajman is set to host the World Bodybuilding Championship in 2026.
Broadcast Pro
5 days ago
- Broadcast Pro
Thmanyah wins exclusive Mideast rights to Saudi football leagues
The rights include coverage of the following competitions, King Cup, Saudi Pro League (Roshn League), Saudi Super Cup and First Division League (Yelo League). Thmanyah Publishing and Distribution, the media subsidiary of Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), has acquired exclusive broadcast rights for the Saudi Pro League (SPL) across the Middle East, marking a significant expansion into sports broadcasting for the company. The landmark deal includes not only the SPL but also extends to the King Cup, the Saudi Super Cup and the First Division League. The agreement will run from the 2025-26 season through 2030-31. Under the new rights arrangement, Thmanyah will offer two modes of coverage: select matches will be broadcast free-to-air via new satellite channels, while premium content and enhanced viewing experiences will be available through subscription-based digital platforms. The first competition under the new deal will be the Saudi Super Cup, set to be held in Hong Kong in August, featuring top clubs Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah. Thmanyah's entry into sports broadcasting marks a notable shift for the company, which has traditionally focused on producing Arabic-language digital content such as documentaries, newsletters, articles and podcasts aimed at documenting contemporary Arab society. Despite its lack of experience in live sports coverage, Thmanyah was selected following a competitive bidding process. According to the Saudi Pro League, First Division League, and the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF), the decision was based on Thmanyah's technical proposal, content and distribution strategy, and alignment with the league's broader goals to expand its media footprint and achieve financial sustainability. The SPL's media rights in the region have shifted hands several times over the last decade. From 2014-15 to 2023-24, MBC held the rights before the agreement was terminated early by Saudi Arabia's sports ministry. Saudi Telecom Company took over for a contract intended to last until 2027-28, but that deal also ended prematurely. It was succeeded by Saudi Sports Company (SSC), which has held the domestic broadcast rights since the 2022-23 season and will continue through 2024-25. SSC coverage is currently accessible via its television network and digital platforms including Shahid and GBOX. Meanwhile, international distribution has been managed by IMG, which holds the global broadcast rights for the SPL for the last two seasons and is committed to production services through the 2028-29 season. SPL's international visibility has expanded in recent years through deals with major broadcasters such as Canal Plus in France, DAZN in multiple territories, Fox in the US and the Caribbean, Okko in Russia, Tencent in China, and SportyTV in Nigeria and Ghana. Thmanyah's foray into sports broadcasting represents both a strategic shift and a bold commitment to elevating Saudi football's reach across the region, positioning the company at the forefront of the Kingdom's evolving sports media landscape.
Al Etihad
6 days ago
- Al Etihad
Under the directives of UAE President, first edition of Al Ain Camel Racing Festival to take place
16 June 2025 11:06 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, the Presidential Camels and Camel Racing Affairs Centre, under the supervision of the Camel Racing Association, has organised the 1st Al Ain Camel Racing Festival. Scheduled to take place from July 4, to October 9, 2025 at Al Rawda Camel Racetrack in Al Ain Region, the event promotes camel racing as a sport deeply rooted in the UAE's cultural Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that the festival comes as a continuation of the efforts to preserve UAE heritage and strengthen its presence in society by supporting the sport of camel racing and ensuring its continuity. His Highness emphasised that camel racing is a national legacy that enjoys the support of the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, as it represents a deep-rooted cultural tradition and a key pillar of the UAE's national festival will feature three preliminary rounds and a total of 605 races, including competitions dedicated to trophy awards across various age categories. A final round is set to take place in early October 2025 and substantial prizes will be awarded to participants throughout the Ain Camel Racing Festival, supported by the UAE leadership in its efforts to preserve authentic Arab traditions, is widely celebrated across the Gulf Region. The event reinforces Emirati identity and highlights the nation's enduring commitment to its cultural roots and heritage.
