Abu Dhabi is strengthening its international sporting calendar with a new five-year partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the UAE Wrestling Federation and Real American Freestyle (RAF) to host professional wrestling events in the emirate.
The partnership will begin with RAF’s first Middle East event on November 14, 2026, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. UAE combat sports star Khamzat Chimaev will headline the opening event, while his opponent is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The inaugural Abu Dhabi event will also feature prominent wrestling and combat sports names, including Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sadulaev. Additional matchups and event details will be announced later.
RAF Abu Dhabi will be the organisation’s third international event during its first year, following events in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Moscow, Russia. The long-term agreement will establish Abu Dhabi as a recurring destination on RAF’s international calendar and support the league’s expansion into global markets.
UAE Wrestling Federation Secretary-General Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan described the agreement as an important step for the development of wrestling in the UAE, highlighting its potential to bring world-class athletes and international events to Abu Dhabi while creating opportunities for emerging athletes.
The partnership also adds another major combat-sports property to Abu Dhabi’s growing events calendar, providing residents and international visitors with access to elite wrestling competitions and further expanding the emirate’s role as a destination for major sporting events.
