The UAE celebrated a historic achievement at the 2026 Asian Games as 18-year-old Mariam Kareem captured the nation’s first gold medal. Kareem triumphed in the women’s 400m hurdles final, setting an Asian Games-record time of 54.31 seconds. She edged out Kazakhstan’s Adelina Zems by 0.27 seconds, while India’s Vithya Ramraj secured the bronze.
This victory marks the UAE’s second athletics medal at the Games, following Sulaiman Abdulrahman’s silver in the men’s 400m final. Abdulrahman, 19, clocked a time of 44.99 seconds, adding to the nation’s growing presence in athletics.
Mariam Kareem’s performance was a significant improvement from her personal best of 55.14 seconds recorded during the qualifying rounds. Her achievement was celebrated by UAE Athletics Federation President Major General Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al Murr, who extended his congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment.