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About UAEWF

The federation behind UAE wrestling

Who we are, where we are heading and the partners who back the sport.

PartnershipBecome a PartnerSupport the growth of wrestling across the UAE.
Clubs

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Affiliated clubs and academies across the UAE, plus the federation's own center.

Club map40 clubs, 5 emiratesSee every affiliated club on the map.
Programs

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Camps, classes and courses for young wrestlers, women, coaches and referees.

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Next camp · 20 Dec 2026UAEWF Winter Camp 2026Creekside Wrestling Club, Dubai
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Latest · 12 Oct 2026Junior team returns with three medals from the Asian Championships
Wrestling styles

Al Mutaraha

⁦Discover a traditional form of wrestling that connects sporting skill with the UAE’s cultural heritage.⁩

⁦Al Mutaraha is a traditional Emirati wrestling style passed down through generations. Two wrestlers test their balance, strength and skill as they attempt to bring their opponent to the ground.⁩

Heritage

A Tradition Worth Preserving

01

Passed Through Generations

A wrestling tradition connecting younger generations with the UAE’s cultural heritage.

02

Recognised by UWW in 2023

In 2023, United World Wrestling recognised Al Mutaraha as a traditional Emirati wrestling style and signed an agreement with the UAE Wrestling Federation to support its protection, development and promotion.

03

Preserved as Heritage

UAE heritage authorities preserve and promote Al Mutaraha as a traditional practice, helping pass its knowledge and cultural significance to future generations.

Key features

Quick Action. Clear Goals.

Emirati Roots

A traditional wrestling style linked to the UAE’s cultural identity.

One-on-One Contest

Two opponents face each other in a test of wrestling skill.

Control and Balance

Use technique to disrupt your opponent’s balance.

Bring the Opponent Down

Make your opponent touch the ground with a body part other than the feet.

No Striking

Punching and kicking are prohibited.

Field of play

The Al Mutaraha Arena

Al Mutaraha takes place in a circular sand arena.

  • Circular sand arenaTo be confirmed
  • Ghutra gripHeld throughout
The rules

Rules at a Glance

Hold the Ghutra

Participants securely tie a ghutra around the waist and maintain their grip on their opponent’s ghutra throughout the encounter.

Balance and Control

Use arm strength and balance to safely unbalance or bring down your opponent.

No Harmful Actions

Striking, kicking, violent pushing and headbutting are prohibited. Serious misconduct may lead to immediate exclusion.

What athletes wear

Clothing and Equipment

Athletes wear a ghutra tied securely around the waist, which their opponent grips throughout the encounter to perform controlled wrestling techniques.

Ghutra tied at the waistThe traditional head cloth, folded and tied securely around the waist for the opponent to grip.