Arwa Ali has officially cemented her place in sporting history, becoming the first Emirati woman to secure a medal at the Youth Olympic Games. Competing in the women’s 100m final in Dakar, Arwa delivered a stellar performance with a time of 11.41 seconds to clinch the silver medal. This landmark achievement also marks the first time the UAE has earned an athletics medal at the Youth Olympics, serving as a powerful testament to the rising prominence of Emirati women on the global stage.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Murr, President of the UAE Athletics Federation, lauded the result as a pivotal moment for the nation’s sports development. He highlighted that Arwa’s success is the direct outcome of a long-term strategy designed to nurture young talent and provide a clear pathway to excellence. Looking ahead, the federation remains committed to investing in the next generation of athletes, viewing this podium finish not as a final goal, but as a foundation for future international success as other UAE competitors, such as cyclist Sultan Al Hammadi, prepare to represent the country in their respective events.