Abu Dhabi Hosts the 17th World Jiu-Jitsu Championship

His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presided over the inauguration of the 17th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the championship is taking place at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, extending until November 22.

During the inaugural competitions, Sheikh Zayed acknowledged several amateur category winners. He remarked on the championship's role as a crucial platform for unearthing talents and fostering future champions. Sheikh Zayed highlighted how this event aligns with the UAE’s leadership vision in developing Jiu-Jitsu, supporting athletes, and elevating the country’s standing in the sports arena.

He pointed out the rising popularity of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE, emphasizing the essential values—discipline, perseverance, and determination—that the sport instills in youth, helping to cultivate a robust generation poised to represent the nation on international platforms.

His Excellency Abdulmunem Al Sayed Mohammed Al Hashemi, President of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, expressed profound gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their invaluable support and patronage. He acknowledged that such backing has positioned the UAE as a frontrunner in advocating Jiu-Jitsu and propagating its core values globally.

Al Hashemi remarked that Sheikh Zayed’s presence at the opening signifies a commitment to cultivating new champions who will proudly raise the UAE’s flag in distinguished international tournaments. The event is a testament to the nation’s belief in harnessing talent and capability among its people.

Furthermore, the championship serves as a multicultural connection point, fostering inspiration and engagement among new talents. It exemplifies the UAE as a premier sports destination synonymous with professionalism, respect, discipline, and harmony.

With over 10,000 male and female athletes gathered, this 17th edition stands as the largest and most esteemed Jiu-Jitsu competition worldwide. It commenced with amateur matches and will evolve into various stages, inclusive of the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival.

The festival, highlighted by competitions for children, juniors, and youth from November 13 to 15, will feature Para Jiu-Jitsu events on November 13, while junior and youth categories will follow on November 16 and 17. Masters’ competitions are slated for November 18 and 19, culminating in the grand professional matches on November 20, 21, and 22.

The championship not only accentuates the UAE’s leadership in the sport but fortifies Abu Dhabi’s stature as the global epicenter of Jiu-Jitsu, promoting values of sportsmanship, unity, and international camaraderie—principles central to the UAE’s sports development and youth empowerment philosophy.