The United Arab Emirates has concluded its participation in the sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games, held in the Chinese city of Sanya from April 22 to 30, achieving a major milestone by topping the Arab standings and finishing seventh overall.

The event brought together 1,790 male and female athletes from 45 Olympic committees across Asia, competing in 14 sports, 15 disciplines, and 61 events.

The UAE took part with a delegation of 31 athletes competing in four sports: jiu jitsu, sailing, beach soccer, and open water swimming. The team won six medals, all in jiu jitsu, including two gold, two silver, and two bronze.

The national sailing team delivered strong performances and came close to securing at least two bronze medals through Marwa Al Hammadi and Abdullah Al Zubaidi in the ILCA 4 events.

UAE achieves milestone in China

This achievement continues the UAE’s record of excellence in Asian competitions, as the country once again topped the Arab standings after achieving the same result at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain 2025, where it won 31 medals. This reflects consistent performance and sustained success.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, said the sailing team’s participation in the Asian Beach Games in China was distinguished and honorable, with notable results. Marwa Al Hammadi finished fourth in the girls’ ILCA 4 category, while Abdullah Al Zubaidi placed fourth in the boys’ ILCA 4 category.

He added that the technical staff, led by captain Zuhair Al Labbat, and all the athletes deserve praise for their efforts. He also expressed his thanks to the UAE National Olympic Committee for its presence and support of the country’s athletes.

He said these results reflect the strength of modern sailing in the UAE and the significant development it is witnessing at all levels, adding that they provide strong motivation to intensify efforts and continue working with confidence and ambition toward podium finishes in future competitions.

Fares Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the UAE National Olympic Committee, also highlighted the importance of this success at major sporting events that bring together elite athletes from across Asia and keep the UAE at the forefront in pursuit of raising the national flag.

He noted that leading the Arab rankings in Asian competitions carries important significance, reflecting the progress and consistency of athletes’ performances.

He praised the vision and directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, and the follow up of Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Vice President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Executive Office.

China tops the standings

Host nation China secured first place in the overall medal table with 55 medals, including 24 gold, 18 silver, and 13 bronze. Thailand finished second with 28 medals, including 10 gold, 9 silver, and 9 bronze.

The Philippines will host the seventh Asian Beach Games in Cebu in March 2028. The organizing committee is working on a preliminary sports program that includes 24 sports, pending final approval by the Olympic Council of Asia.