The Emirati runner, Alia Saeed, has won the gold medal in the 5,000-metre race on the opening day of the Arab Athletics Championship, which is currently being held in Tunisia.

The UAE Athletics Federation dedicated this win to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for supporting local sports and athletes, along with H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, for his patronage and support for the "Mother of Emirati Sports".

The Federation also dedicated the victory to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in appreciation of Her Highness’s support for Emirati women in general, and especially Emirati sports.

Ahmed Al Kamali, International Association of Athletics Federations, IAAF, Council Member and President of the UAE Athletics Federation, stated that this gold medal is confirmation of Saeed’s readiness, before the start of the World Athletics Championship in London in August.

He added that Saeed has confirmed her readiness to participate in both the 10,000-metre race and the World Athletics Championship in London in August, while highlighting her intention to participate in the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan between 20th to 27th September, in the 3000-metre indoor race. He also expressed his hope that both Saud and Maayouf from the Emirati team would achieve notable performances in the 800-metre race.