Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi: the first Emirati on the WT Council and a key figure in the growth of Taekwondo in the Middle East

Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi has become one of the most influential figures in contemporary Taekwondo, not only for his role as president of the United Arab Emirates Taekwondo Federation, but also for being the first Emirati to join the World Taekwondo Council, an achievement that reflects the region’s sporting and political rise over the last decade.

His presence in WT’s highest governing body coincides with a key moment: Fujairah and the United Arab Emirates have established themselves as one of the most active international locations on the world calendar, promoting events, structures, and policies that today have a direct impact on the global development of the sport.

A leader emerging from the heart of Emirati Taekwondo

As president of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, Al Zeyoudi has led a period of institutional modernization that includes a renewed system of national competitions, the development of a new 2024–2028 sports plan, and the professionalization of internal structures.

Under his leadership, the United Arab Emirates has grown from a developing MNA to a strategic partner of the WT. Supported by an ambitious sporting vision and strong management, the federation has succeeded in putting the country on the international map by consistently organizing high-level tournaments.

Architect of Fujairah’s rise as the capital of Taekwondo

Al Zeyoudi has been a key player in the transformation of Fujairah, now considered one of the most efficient hosts on the world circuit. His work as an organizer has been behind of:

• The Fujairah Open, which has become one of the strongest G2 events on the calendar.
• The 2025 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, the largest in history.
• Several Grand Prix and international competitions that positioned the region as an organizational model.

This growth also took place under the sponsorship and vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, with whom Al Zeyoudi forms a sports development axis that has raised the level, visibility, and infrastructure of Taekwondo in the country.

While the Prince drives the strategy and investment, Al Zeyoudi executes, organizes, and structures the technical framework that allows these events to reach international standards.

A representative with political influence on the WT Council

Being the first Emirati on the WT Council is no small feat. Al Zeyoudi’s presence at the table where the future of world taekwondo is discussed symbolizes:

• The full integration of the Emirates into global sports diplomacy.
• Recognition of a management that has significantly raised the level of events, athletes, and projects in the region.
• The opening of a new, modern, and strategic voice within the sport’s governing body.

His re-election, with one of the highest votes, confirms that his leadership has earned respect within the international community.

Concrete contributions to the sport

Al Zeyoudi’s impact is not only institutional. His work has directly contributed to:

• Raising the organizational standards of WT tournaments in the Middle East.
• Expanding grassroots and school Taekwondo within the United Arab Emirates.
• Strengthening regional representation in global decision-making spaces.
• Promoting youth development initiatives through programs that integrate sport, education, and values.

In a scenario where Taekwondo competes for space and resources, the combination of infrastructure, vision, and planning has made the UAE an example of efficiency and growth.

A name that will continue to shape the future

Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi’s presence on the Council, his leadership within the MNA, and his role in Fujairah’s international positioning make him a key figure for the coming years of world Taekwondo.

His career combines technical expertise, modern management, and diplomatic skills, attributes that are increasingly necessary in a sport that is expanding its competitive, social, and political horizons.

Led by a country that has understood the strategic value of sport, Al Zeyoudi represents a new generation of leaders who are already shaping the future of Taekwondo.

MAS: Media About Sport.
TKD: Taekwondo.
MASTKD: Worldwide Leader on Taekwondo Information.

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Claudio Aranda

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