Famous Emirati Sportspersons

Ahmed Khalil Sebait Mubarak Al-Junaibi is a prominent Emirati footballer known for his successful career as a forward for Al Bataeh and the United Arab Emirates national team. Throughout his professional journey, Ahmed has achieved numerous accolades and awards, showcasing his exceptional skills on the field. From winning various championships and tournaments to being named Player of the Tournament and Asian Footballer of the Year, Ahmed's contributions to both his club and country have solidified his status as one of the top footballers in the region.

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a prominent figure in Dubai known for his successful career as an equestrian, businessman, and former Olympian sport shooter. He has achieved international recognition for owning award-winning horses, as well as being involved in the ownership of a UAE football club. With a background in sports and business, Sheikh Saeed has made significant contributions to both the equestrian world and the sports industry in Dubai.

Sulaiman Al-Fahim is an Emirati television personality and billionaire businessman known for his involvement in the UAE real estate sector. He played a significant role in facilitating the deal through which the Abu Dhabi royal family acquired Manchester City F.C. Al-Fahim's professional endeavors have been focused on real estate investments and business ventures, establishing him as a prominent figure in the business community. His contributions to the real estate sector and high-profile dealings have solidified his reputation as a successful and influential businessman in the UAE.

Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum is a prominent shooter from the UAE, known for winning the country's first Olympic medal. He achieved success at the 2004 Summer Olympics by winning the double trap event and finishing fourth in the trap event. His accomplishments continued with another gold medal in double trap at the 2005 ISSF World Cup. Despite not reaching the final at the 2008 Summer Olympics, he transitioned to coaching and played a crucial role in guiding British shooter Peter Wilson to victory in the double trap event at the 2012 London Olympics.

Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed Al Maktoum is a prominent athlete with expertise in karate, taekwondo, and polo. She holds the title of Sheikha of Dubai and has made significant contributions to sports in the UAE. Notably, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman from the UAE to represent her country in the Olympics in 2008. Her dedication to sports and her accomplishments have inspired many aspiring athletes, both in the UAE and around the world.

Alia Saeed Mohammed is a renowned long-distance runner representing the United Arab Emirates. She made a significant decision to switch her allegiance from Ethiopia in 2010. Throughout her career, she has achieved remarkable success, including winning the gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2014 Asian Games and the 2015 Asian Athletics Championships. Her talent and dedication were further highlighted by winning the Silver at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships. Alia Saeed Mohammed continues to be a prominent figure in the world of long-distance running with her impressive achievements.

Yousif Mirza is an Emirati former racing cyclist who competed professionally for UCI WorldTeam UAE Team Emirates from 2017 to 2022. He has achieved multiple Emirati national titles and won the silver medal in the road race at the 2015 Asian Cycling Championships, earning a spot in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Mirza made history as the first Emirati cyclist to compete in the Olympic road race. He joined the UAE Abu Dhabi team in 2017, becoming the first Emirati to ride for a UCI WorldTeam.

Latifa bint Ahmed Al Maktoum is a prominent equestrian athlete from the UAE. She has participated in various prestigious events such as the Olympics, FEI World Equestrian Games, and Show Jumping World Cup. Known for her skillful riding, she has achieved notable successes like placing second in the Emirates Show Jumping Championship. With a focus on training for future competitions like the 2020 Summer Olympics, Al Maktoum continues to showcase her talent and dedication in the world of equestrian sports.

Nada Al-Bedwawi is an accomplished Emirati swimmer who made history as the first female Olympic swimmer from the United Arab Emirates. She represented her country at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the women's 50 meter freestyle event. While her time in the heats didn't qualify her for the semifinals, her participation and role as the flag bearer at the Parade of Nations were significant achievements. Nada's presence at the Olympics showcased her dedication to the sport and her country, inspiring future generations of Emirati athletes.

Qais Omar Alshabebi is a prominent Emirati professional basketball player known for his impressive skills on the court. He has played for various teams including Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE National Basketball League and Petrochimi Bandar Pahlavi BC in the Iranian Basketball Super League. Alshabebi has achieved recognition for his outstanding performance as a top rebounder in the 2016 FIBA Asia Champions Cup. Additionally, he represented the UAE national basketball team at the 2017 Arab Nations Cup, where he showcased his scoring prowess and emerged as one of the tournament's standout players.

Ismail Matar Ibrahim Khamis Al Mukhaini Al Junaibi is an Emirati footballer known for playing as an attacking midfielder or forward. He was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2003 World Youth Championships for being the tournament's best player. Matar led the UAE to their first-ever trophy in 2007, scoring 5 goals in 5 games and being named player of the tournament and top scorer. His achievements on the field have solidified his reputation as a skilled and influential player in Emirati football history.

Omar Juma Al-Salfa is a renowned track and field athlete from the United Arab Emirates specializing in sprinting events. He has achieved significant success in various competitions, winning gold medals at the Asian Athletics Championships and representing his country at the Beijing Olympics. Known for setting national records and achieving top finishes in multiple events, Al-Salfa's professional career highlights include victories at the Arab Junior Championships, Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, and Asian Games. He has also competed on the prestigious IAAF Diamond League circuit, showcasing his talent on the international stage.

Zahra Lari is a pioneering figure skater from the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East, known for being the first to compete internationally. She is a five-time Emirati National Champion and a graduate in Environmental Health and Safety from Abu Dhabi University. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Emirates Skating Club, she established the first figure skating club in the country. Lari is a dedicated activist for societal health and women's well-being, with her contributions recognized in the UAE National Records.

Kavisha Kumari Egodage is a talented women's cricketer representing the United Arab Emirates national team. She has showcased remarkable skills and dedication in the sport, earning recognition for her outstanding performance on the field. With a strong focus on teamwork and strategic gameplay, Kavisha has proven to be a valuable asset to her team. Her passion for cricket is evident in her commitment to continuous improvement and her ability to handle pressure situations with composure and resilience.

Ivan Remarenco is a judoka who has competed at the highest levels of international competition. Starting his career representing Moldova at the 2012 Summer Olympics, he later transitioned to representing the United Arab Emirates. He achieved success at the 2014 World Judo Championships by winning a bronze medal. Remarenco continued to showcase his skills by representing the UAE at the 2016 Summer Olympics. His dedication to the sport and ability to compete in different weight categories highlight his versatility and determination as a judoka.

Mohamed Abbas Darwish is a skilled Emirati triple jumper who has showcased his talent on various international platforms. He achieved a commendable feat by clinching the bronze medal at the 2003 World Youth Championships in Athletics. Despite facing tough competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics, he demonstrated his determination and skill in the triple jump event. His professional journey is marked by dedication, perseverance, and a strong competitive spirit, making him a respected figure in the world of athletics.

Sergiu Toma is an accomplished judoka who has represented both Moldova and the United Arab Emirates at the Olympic Games. He has demonstrated skill and determination in the sport, achieving notable victories and earning a bronze medal in the 2016 Olympics. Toma holds a law degree and has overcome financial challenges to continue his athletic career. His achievements, including being named Moldovan Athlete of the Year, highlight his dedication and success in the world of judo.

Talal Al-Nuaimi is a prominent professional basketball player from the United Arab Emirates, known for his skill and leadership on the court. He has represented his country as a key member of the national basketball team, showcasing his talents at various international tournaments. Al-Nuaimi's impressive performance at the FIBA Asia Championship 2009 highlighted his scoring ability and dedication to the sport. His contributions have been instrumental in elevating the UAE team's standing and achieving notable success in competitions.

Ayesha Al-Blooshi is a professional Emirati weightlifter in the 58 kg category, representing the United Arab Emirates in international competitions. She has competed at various prestigious events including the World Weightlifting Championships and the Summer Olympics. Notably, she won a silver medal at the 2011 Pan Arab Games but was later disqualified due to the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Despite this setback, Ayesha continues to demonstrate her talent and dedication in the field of weightlifting.

Amna Al Haddad is a prominent female weightlifting athlete and former journalist from the United Arab Emirates. She began her weightlifting career in 2007 and has since competed in various international competitions, making history as the first Emirati female to compete in the Reebok Crossfit Games Open and the Asia Regionals Crossfit Team. She transitioned to Olympic Weightlifting in 2013 with the goal of representing her country at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Despite not being selected for the Rio Olympics, she remains dedicated to her sport and continues to inspire other Emirati women with her achievements.

Nisha Ali is an accomplished cricketer representing the United Arab Emirates national team. She made her WT20I debut in July 2018 against Netherlands, showcasing her skills on the international stage. Her inclusion in the United Arab Emirates squad for the 2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament highlights her talent and dedication to the sport. Nisha's professional career is marked by her commitment to cricket and her contributions to the success of her team on the global cricketing platform.

Esha Rohit Oza is a prominent cricketer from India who has made a name for herself as the captain of the UAE women's national cricket team. She has represented the UAE in various international tournaments, including the ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier. Known for her batting prowess, Oza holds the record for the highest score by a UAE international in limited overs cricket and is recognized as the fastest player to reach 1,000 T20I runs in WT20Is. Her achievements have been acknowledged with accolades such as being named the ICC Women's Associate Player of the Year.

Khaled Al-Kaabi is a highly accomplished Emirati sport shooter, serving as an Abu Dhabi Police First Warrant Officer. He has demonstrated his exceptional talent and skill in the field by achieving significant milestones in his career. Al-Kaabi has secured notable victories, including winning gold medals in prestigious competitions such as the Olympic Qualifier Asian Championship and the Pan Arab Shooting Championship. His impressive performance has earned him recognition and accolades, propelling him to high rankings in the Asian shooting community and solidifying his position as a top contender in various international events.

Yaaqoub Al-Saadi is an Emirati swimmer known for his participation in the men's 100 meter backstroke event at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Although his time of 59.58 seconds in the heats did not secure him a spot in the semifinals, his dedication to the sport and competitive spirit have garnered recognition. Al-Saadi continues to train and compete at high levels, showcasing his talent and determination as a professional swimmer on both national and international platforms.

Udeni Dona is a talented cricketer from Sri Lanka who currently represents the United Arab Emirates national cricket team. She has participated in prestigious tournaments such as the ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier. Dona made her mark in the Women's Twenty20 International arena when she played against the Netherlands in the World Twenty20 Qualifier. With her skills and dedication, she has become a valuable asset to the team, showcasing her passion for the sport and contributing significantly to the UAE cricketing community.

Saeed Rashed Al-Qubaisi is a prominent Emirati judoka known for his participation in the lightweight category. His career highlights include being the first Emirati athlete to compete in a combative sport at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Despite facing a defeat in his preliminary match to South Africa's Marlon August, Al-Qubaisi showcased his skills and determination. Throughout his professional journey, he has demonstrated resilience and commitment to the sport of judo, leaving a lasting impact on the Emirati sports scene.

Ali Al-Abed is a retired Emirati cyclist who represented his country at the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics. Throughout his professional career, he demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to the sport of cycling. Competing at the highest level of international competition, Al-Abed showcased his speed, endurance, and strategic prowess on the cycling track. His participation in the Olympics signifies his status as a top athlete in the field and his commitment to representing the United Arab Emirates on the global stage.

Tanisha Crasto is an accomplished Indian badminton player with a successful professional career. She has represented multiple countries, including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, showcasing her versatility and talent on the international stage. Tanisha's notable achievement includes winning the women's doubles event at the 2016 Bahrain International Challenge, highlighting her skills and competitive edge in the sport. Her dedication and hard work have solidified her position as a respected player in the badminton community, with a promising future ahead.

Mansoor Bu Osaiba is an Emirati former cyclist who made his mark in the world of cycling by competing at the highest level. His notable participation in the individual road race at the 1992 Summer Olympics showcased his dedication and skill in the sport. Throughout his professional career, Mansoor Bu Osaiba demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for cycling, inspiring others with his determination and competitive spirit. His achievements in the cycling world have left a lasting legacy and earned him recognition as a talented athlete.

Subha Venkataraman is an Indian-born cricketer who represents the United Arab Emirates national cricket team. She made her WT20I debut against the Netherlands in July 2018 and was part of the United Arab Emirates squad for the 2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament. Known for her cricketing skills, Subha has showcased her talent on the international stage, contributing to her team's success and garnering recognition for her performance in the sport. Her dedication and passion for cricket continue to drive her professional endeavors in the field.

Betlhem Desalegn Belayneh is an Ethiopian-born Emirati middle-distance runner who gained recognition for her participation in the Women's 1500 metres event at the 2012 Summer Olympics. However, her professional career faced a setback in 2017 when she was banned for two years due to irregularities in her biological passport. This led to the nullification of all her results between March 6, 2014, and July 22, 2016. Despite this suspension, Betlhem's athletic journey showcases both achievements and challenges in the competitive world of middle-distance running.

Sheikh Juma bin Dalmook Al Maktoum is an Emirati sport shooter and owner of thoroughbred racehorses. Known for his expertise in shooting sports, he has represented Dubai in various international competitions. In addition to his sporting pursuits, Sheikh Juma is a prominent figure in the equestrian world, with his distinctive blue and yellow silks gracing racing events. His passion for sports and horses has solidified his reputation as a respected and accomplished figure in both the shooting and horse racing communities.

Humaira Tasneem is a prominent women's cricketer representing the United Arab Emirates national cricket team. She has showcased her leadership skills by being appointed as the captain of the UAE squad for the 2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament. Tasneem made her Women's Twenty20 International debut for the UAE against the Netherlands during the World Twenty20 Qualifier in July 2018. Her contributions to the team have been significant, highlighting her talent and dedication to the sport at the international level.