Healthcare
UAE Clinches Two Prestigious Honors at AFC Medical Awards 2025
wo distinguished medical professionals from the UAE have been honored with top accolades at the fourth edition of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Medical Awards, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Dr. Mourad Ghrairi, Director of the FIFA Medical Centre in Dubai, and the late Dr. Abdullah Hassan Baroon, former national team doctor for the UAE Football Association, were each awarded the Golden Award for Medical Excellence. The AFC recognized their outstanding service of over 25 years in sports medicine and their commitment to enhancing athlete care and performance.
These prestigious awards, presented during the 8th AFC Medical Conference, celebrate not only the expertise and dedication of the recipients but also their vital role in the advancement of football medicine in Asia. Dr. Ghrairi continues to contribute to international sports health standards, while Dr. Baroon’s legacy lives on through decades of service to Emirati football.
In addition to the Golden Award recipients, thirteen other professionals received the AFC Distinguished Service Awards in Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories. These honors reflect the longstanding dedication of medical practitioners who have significantly impacted football health and performance across the continent.
The event reaffirmed the AFC’s commitment to player welfare, and the recognition of UAE professionals further cements the nation’s growing stature in global sports medicine.