Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE
Martial Arts and Polo
As an Emirati princess and daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, there are indeed lofty expectations placed upon Sheikha Maitha. The royal has excelled in the sporting arena, though. Having taken up martial arts aged 20, she has gone on to represent her country with great prestige, competing at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Taekwondo’s 67kg category while also capturing a silver medal at the 2006 Asian Games in Karate. Injuries ultimately curtailed her career, however, the 39-year-old remains a huge inspiration and role model for young girls across the Emirates. She has since shifted focus to another of her other lifelong passions, equestrian, by entering the Polo arena. It’s no surprise to see success has followed. Ladies Polo was first introduced to the region thanks to her creation of the Ralph Lauren International Ladies Polo Tournament. And despite switching to the sport at 32, Sheikha Maitha has already led the UAE women’s Polo team and continues to help the sport grow through her devotion of time to various charity foundations like Dubai Cares.
Tickets on sale for Abu Dhabi World Judo Championships to be held at Mubadala Arena
– The Emirati princess recently led her pole team to victory at the 2018 Emirates Open Polo final, crushing hosts Ghantoot.
– She is heavily involved with the charity foundation, Dubai Cares, which helps to create an environment for kids to be educated, and ensure they have food, water and shelter.
– Sheikha Maitha also played a friendly at the PINKPOLO event to raise awareness about breast cancer in November 2018.
Did you know…
The 39-year-old was included in the Board of Trustees of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives established by Sheikh Mohammed himself.
“I do what I love and love what I do – win, lose or draw.” – Sheikha Maitha (Source: Gulf News)
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