The most striking surge for the UAE came in camel racing, making its debut at the Youth Games. The boys’ event saw Mohammed Omair Al Rashdi clinch gold and teammate Khalifa Suhail Al Ghafli take silver. In the girls’ race, Latifa Mohammed Al Ashkhari captured gold and Aisha Abdullah Al Saadi claimed silver. That quartet accounted for two golds and two silvers, underscoring the country’s growing investment in heritage-based sport.
Equestrian discipline also yielded a podium finish when show jumper Saleh Al Kharbi secured bronze in the individual event, adding to the UAE’s rising tally. On the aquatic front, national swimmer Hussain Shawqi clocked 23.43 seconds in the men’s 50 metre freestyle final to take bronze after registering one of the fastest qualifying times.
In cycling, UAE youth rider Falah Al Nuaimi posted a strong effort, finishing fifth in the 15 km individual time-trial with a time of 22:34.34. While not medalling, such performances reflect a broader push to deepen competitiveness beyond medal games.
China remains firmly in first place with 76 medals—38 gold, 26 silver and 12 bronze—while Uzbekistan follows in second with 29 medals, including 14 golds. The UAE’s sixth-place finish represents a significant advancement from previous youth events, reflecting targeted strategic planning and resource allocation.
Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of the UAE Camel Racing Federation, highlighted the results as evidence of institutional support for the sport: “The success achieved here embodies the strength of the national system supporting camel racing and the comprehensive care it receives from our leadership.” He emphasised that the UAE’s approach places heritage sporting disciplines among national priorities, enabling athletes to reach “the highest levels”.
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