Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship will take place from November 6 to 16 at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City.
This year’s event is poised to break records, with over 9,000 athletes from 137 countries set to participate, making it the largest edition in the championship’s history and setting a new benchmark in the world of jiu-jitsu.
Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship not only offers athletes of all levels a global platform to test their skills, gain experience, and pursue their dreams but also fosters cultural exchange, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds celebrate shared values. Participants will have the opportunity to earn points toward the prestigious Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, further elevating the competitive spirit of the event.
During a press conference at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, details of this year’s championship were revealed, attended by H.E. Saud Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; H.E. Ahmed Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the Support Services Sector; Mr. Yaqoub Al Saadi, Head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels; Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Mr. Saed Hijazi Salama, General Manager of Sales at Premier Motors; Ms. Futoon Al Mazrouei, Group Head of Consumer Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank; and Mona Hassan Sadoun, Vice President of Customer Service and Marketing at Al Tayer Motors.
Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, expressed gratitude for the UAE’s wise leadership, emphasizing the continuous support for sports and athletes across the nation and the world.
“We are delighted to welcome all guests, athletes, and fans, and to announce a record-breaking edition of the championship with over 9,000 participants from 137 countries. This championship unites the world’s best talent to showcase their skills and elevate their global rankings, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a global jiu-jitsu hub,” said His Excellency.
He also extended appreciation to the event’s partners and sponsors, saying, “Their support has been vital in helping us achieve this level of global leadership in Jiu-Jitsu. As we celebrate another world-class edition, we hope to continue to inspire new generations to pursue excellence and embrace the core values that make our sport so impactful.”
H.E. Saud Abdulaziz Al Hosani remarked, “Since the inception of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, jiu-jitsu has flourished in the UAE and around the world. Thanks to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s efforts and our wise leadership support, Abu Dhabi has become a global sports hub and the world’s jiu-jitsu capital. We look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from 137 countries.”
H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani emphasized the championship’s role in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s standing in the global sports arena, adding, “We commend the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s for their dedication to performing at the highest level showcasing the exceptional skills of our young athletes as they compete alongside international contenders. This championship solidifies Abu Dhabi’s track record in hosting world-class events, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council stands ready to provide every support needed to achieve our shared goals.”
Mr. Yaqoub Saeed Al Saadi, noted the championship’s growth since 2009, stating, “This tournament represents the rise and expansion of jiu-jitsu. Abu Dhabi Sports is prepared to deliver comprehensive coverage, including live broadcasts and a daily segment capturing the tournament’s key moments, results, and behind-the-scenes action.”
Ms. Futoon Al Mazrouei, added, “We are proud to support the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. This event has contributed to positioning the UAE as a prime sports destination, attracting top athletes and thousands of fans from around the world, boosting tourism and economy. Our support of this championship reflects First Abu Dhabi Bank’s commitment to advancing sports at both competitive and community levels in the UAE.”
Mr. Saed Hijazi Salama, commented, “It is an honor to be part of this prestigious global event that embodies values of tolerance, unity, and mutual respect. We look forward to witnessing incredible athleticism at this year’s event.”
This year’s championship will feature an extended schedule, additional mats, and increased capacity to accommodate more athletes across various categories. The event will commence on November 6 with an opening ceremony and conclude on November 16, culminating in the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, which honor the year’s standout athletes, academies, and federations.
With each edition, the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship strengthens its leading global position, drawing athletes and fans from around the world and contributing to the growth of jiu-jitsu internationally. As the championship continues to grow and inspire, it establishes Abu Dhabi as an enduring legacy in the jiu-jitsu world—a place where champions are forged, and dreams are realized.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
