The United Arab Emirates achieved its most successful Asian Games performance to date at the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 event, securing a 13th-place finish among 45 participating nations. Represented by a 165-member delegation—comprising 117 men and 48 women—the UAE concluded the games with a total of 13 medals, including seven gold, five silver, and one bronze. This result represents the country’s strongest showing since its initial appearance in 1978 and places the UAE second among all Arab nations.
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, formally commended the athletes for their dedication and competitive spirit. He noted that the record-breaking seven gold medals serve as a testament to the combined efforts of the athletes, their support teams, and national sports federations. According to Sheikh Mansoor, this performance underscores a growing ambition to establish the nation as a significant force in continental sports. According to he, It reflected the sustained efforts of the athletes, technical and administrative support teams, and national sports federations through the preparatory stages and the competitions during the Games.
The gold medal haul included standout performances from Mariam Kareem, who claimed victory in the women’s 400m hurdles with a record-breaking time of 54.31 seconds. Her performance not only set a new Asian Games record but also established a new Asian U20 record, marking the second-fastest U20 time globally in this event. Sheikh Mansoor highlighted Kareem’s resilience, noting her ability to overcome the disappointment of the mixed 4x400m relay to focus and succeed in her individual event. Underscoring her exceptional athletic prowess at a young age, kareem’s performance also marked the second-fastest time ever recorded in the women’s 400m hurdles within the U-20 age group at the world stage. Exemplifying the strength of character required to overcome difficult moments and transform them into motivation for new achi, kareem then returned to deliver an exceptional performance in the 400m hurdles and claim gold.
Other gold medalists represented a diverse range of disciplines, including Kazbek Naguchev in the men’s under-73kg judo category. The nation’s jiu-jitsu competitors also dominated, with Balqees Abdulla, Khaled Al Shehhi, Ahmed Andeez, Mahdi Al Awlaqi, and Asma Al Hosani all earning gold.
The equestrian team also delivered a significant contribution to the medal count. Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi secured an individual silver medal on the final day of competition, completing a strong jump-off aboard his horse, Hudson De Vains, with four penalties in 41.93 seconds. Additionally, the UAE show jumping team earned a silver medal in the team event. The team featured consistent performances from riders including Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi, who finished sixth individually, and Sheikha Latifah bint Ahmed bin Juma Al Maktoum, who placed seventh.
Sheikha Latifah, who contributed to the team silver at these games, reached a career milestone by bringing her total Asian Games medal tally to four. Her history of podium finishes—which includes a bronze in Doha 2006, along with team and individual silvers in Guangzhou 2010—draws her level with Malaysia’s Quzandria Nur Mahamad Fathil for the highest number of medals won by a female equestrian in the history of the competition. Sheikh Mansoor praised her long-term competitiveness and commitment as an exemplar for Emirati athletes.
Further silver medals were awarded to Suleiman Abdulrahman in athletics, as well as Al Anoud Al Harbi and Omar Al Suwaidi in jiu-jitsu. Ammar Al Hosani added to the nation’s success by securing a bronze medal in jiu-jitsu.
The Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Games, held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October, featured more than 11,000 athletes from 45 nations. The event showcased 43 sports and 71 disciplines across 469 separate events. Marking a new milestone in its sporting evolution, the UAE expanded its participation this year by entering teams in the modern pentathlon and padel for the first time. The Games brought together more than 11,000 athletes, alongside around 6,000 coaches and officials representing 45 countries, over 16 days of competition. The Asian Games’ overall programme featured 43 sports, 71 disciplines and 469 events, making it the world’s second-largest multi-sport event after the Summer Olympic Games.
Athletes from the UAE competed across a broad spectrum of disciplines including swimming, taekwondo, football, esports, cycling, archery, sailing, fencing, golf, shooting, triathlon, rugby, and weightlifting, reflecting the nation’s continued investment in a wide variety of sporting arenas.
