Regional bodybuilders to show off size and strength at Dubai Muscle Show
The cream of Middle Eastern bodybuilding talent is heading for the UAE this week as Dubai Muscle Show opens its doors.
Egyptian superstar Big Ramy, Egypt-born Mo Ismail – also known as Mo Muscles – and Kuwait’s Ahmad Ashkanani, who recently won the prestigious Arnold Classic in the United States, will be in town.
They will be joined by Emirati Essa Obaid, who was the first person from the Arabian Gulf to participate in the Mr Olympia bodybuilding competition.
Dubai Muscle Show is now in its second year, and about 20,000 people are expected to come through the doors today and tomorrow.
About 600 athletes will compete in more than 100 competitions. Some of the stand-out events include the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Gulf Classic, and the Emirates Strongest Man, along with mixed martial arts, boxing and parkour.
“This year the show is five times bigger than last year,” said Ismail, who moved from Egypt to the US when he was a child. “This is one of the biggest line-ups of athletes you’ll see in the region, and Dubai is the best place to do it. As an expo and fitness event it’s massive.”
The show will feature talks by Jay Cutler, a four-time Mr Olympia winner; the world’s strongest man, Eddie Hall; and Paige Hathaway, a fitness and social media personality.
Kai Greene, the three time Mr Olympia runner-up who appeared on Stranger Things, is also in town.
Bodybuilding has a long history in the Middle East. One of the region’s most famous bodybuilders is Lebanon’s Samir Bannout, known as the Lion of Lebanon. He was the first and only person from the region to win a Mr Olympia title.
But a question that refuses to go away is the use of drugs. Steroid abuse in particular has afflicted bodybuilding. “A few people do use steroids and are looking for that crazy edge. But steroids are not making you a better athlete,” Ismail said.
The event will also have question-and-answer sessions with the athletes.
“The coolest thing is that a family can come and build awareness for children or themselves and learn about the health and fitness industry,” Ismail said.
“There’s something in it for everyone. It’s not niche like it was before.”