Abu Dhabi Welcomes Record Number of Jiu-Jitsu Athletes for 17th Championship

Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 17th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is set to take place from 12th to 22nd November at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City.

This year's event marks a significant milestone with a record 10,000 male and female athletes competing from more than 130 nations, establishing it as the most significant edition in the tournament's history. This accomplishment underscores Abu Dhabi's reputation as the world capital of jiu-jitsu and a key locale for international sporting events.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice-Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee, acknowledged the vital support from President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for elevating the sport on both national and global stages. He also expressed appreciation for the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, viewing the championship as a unique platform for competition, cultural exchange, and community development.

“With 10,000 athletes from across the globe, this year’s championship is undoubtedly our largest. We invite everyone to experience the UAE’s spirit of creativity, generosity, and tolerance,” Al Dhaheri noted.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized that this championship embodies Abu Dhabi's vision of being a nexus for global sports. Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategy Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, focused on the event's impact in fostering both social and economic development through sports.

Long-term sponsors, including Jaguar Land Rover and First Abu Dhabi Bank, reiterated their commitment to jiu-jitsu, promoting youth empowerment and positive societal values.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, highlighted participation from 730 clubs and academies, noting a significant 32% female competitor rate and 60% international participants, showcasing the event's expanding global presence and organizational prowess.

The competition will commence on 12th November with amateur events, followed by the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival and Para Jiu-Jitsu from 13th to 15th November. Youth competitions will be held on 16th and 17th November, while masters’ divisions are scheduled for 18th and 19th November, concluding with professional matches from 20th to 22nd November.

Now in its 17th iteration, the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship continues to redefine participation standards, quality, and international engagement, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to fostering the global growth of this sport.