The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has extended its partnership with Palms Sports, organiser of the UAE Warriors mixed martial arts (MMA) series, for an additional three years. The agreement will see the Middle East’s leading MMA promotion expand beyond the capital to host events in the Al Ain Region for the first time.
Established in 2012, UAE Warriors has built a global reputation among industry leaders and fans for delivering high-intensity bouts and world-class production. Under the renewed deal, Al Ain will host two UAE Warriors events in the 2025 season, with two more each year from 2026 to 2028.
The move aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s strategy to diversify tourism offerings and showcase Al Ain as a destination for sports entertainment and cultural experiences. By taking the MMA series beyond Abu Dhabi City, the initiative is expected to attract new visitors and enhance the emirate’s profile on the global combat sports stage.
“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,” said His Excellency Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. “This extension of our partnership with Palms Sports marks a new chapter for UAE Warriors, bringing an exciting programme of mixed martial arts to the 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.”
The signing took place during Abu Dhabi Showdown Week 2025, anchored by UFC Fight Night. The partnership forms part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s wider portfolio of sporting collaborations under the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, aimed at boosting cultural exchange and tourism growth.
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. Expanding to Al Ain marks a strategic move that will unlock new audiences, deepen community engagement, and reinforce the UAE’s standing as a premier destination for combat sports.”
From hosting UFC and Formula 1 to international golf and basketball tournaments, Abu Dhabi continues to cement its reputation as a global sports hub. Such events not only draw international audiences but also contribute significantly to the emirate’s economy.
