Mariam Kareem claims 400m hurdles silver at Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh

Mariam Kareem claims 400m hurdles silver at Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh

UAE champion records fastest global under-18 time of 2025 in the event

The UAE national athletics team secured the silver medal in the women’s 400m hurdles at the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games, currently under way in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 7 to 21 of this month. The event brings together 3,000 athletes from 57 countries, with the UAE participating across 14 sports.

Mariam Kareem delivered an exceptional performance to claim silver in the 400m hurdles, stopping the clock at 57.42 seconds — the fastest global under-18 time of 2025 in the event. Her achievement marks a significant milestone for UAE athletics and raises the nation’s tally to 12 medals, placing the UAE 17th in the overall rankings.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s Emmanuel Bamidele and Suleiman Abdulrahman have both qualified for the men’s 400m final, scheduled for this evening, with eight athletes from six countries competing for podium places.

The UAE delegation has now accumulated 12 medals, surpassing the nation’s total from the previous edition in Konya, Türkiye, where the tally reached 10. This performance comes with strong potential for further success in the upcoming jiu-jitsu and camel racing events, as UAE athletes continue to deliver standout results and elevate the nation’s presence on the international stage.

The UAE’s 12 medals include two gold, two silver, and eight bronze, placing the country 17th overall. Türkiye leads the table with 130 medals (65 gold, 37 silver, 28 bronze). Uzbekistan follows in second with 79 medals (25 gold, 29 silver, 25 bronze), while Iran sits third with 59 medals (19 gold, 17 silver, 23 bronze). Egypt ranks fourth and first among Arab nations with 37 medals (13 gold, 10 silver, 14 bronze). The host nation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stands seventh with 35 medals, comprising nine gold, four silver, and 22 bronze.

Rashed Al Ali, Board Member of the UAE Athletics Federation and Chair of the National Teams Committee, affirmed that Mariam Kareem’s silver — achieved with the fastest global under-18 time of 2025 in the 400m hurdles — reflects the federation’s commitment to advancing athlete performance across all disciplines. He highlighted that this result marks a new stage of progress for UAE athletics, demonstrating that success extends not only to medal wins but also to record-breaking achievements earned in the nation’s name.

UAE camel racing duo advance to 2,000m final

The UAE national camel racing team qualified two riders for the 2,000m final after strong performances in the preliminary rounds. Rashid Al Kaabi topped the second heat with a time of 3:19.653, while Matar Al Muhairi finished second in the first heat in 3:15.765. Both riders earned their places in tomorrow’s final with confidence and clear merit.

UAE handball team to face Saudi Arabia in semi-finals

The UAE national handball team booked their place in the semi-finals of the Islamic Solidarity Games Riyadh 2025 with a deserved 28–25 victory over Iran. The team produced a composed and determined display, demonstrating resilience and decisive finishing. They now face hosts Saudi Arabia this evening at the Green Hall in the Olympic Complex in Riyadh.

UAE shine in fencing events

In fencing, the UAE’s Faris Al Baloushi advanced to the quarter-finals of the foil competition after an impressive campaign in which he defeated opponents from six countries — Pakistan, Indonesia, the Sultanate of Oman, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and Bahrain — before narrowly losing to Türkiye’s Kivanç Kirtay. Zainab Al Hosani progressed to the round of 16 in the épée after securing wins against competitors from Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Khalifa Al Kaabi and Sheikha Al Zaabi delivered commendable performances throughout their respective rounds.