Abu Dhabi Hosts 2026 Ju-Jitsu World Championship from August 1

Abu Dhabi is set to host the 2026 Ju-Jitsu World Championship from August 1 to August 9 at Mubadala Arena 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.

Organised by the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the championship will bring together more than 1,500 athletes from countries across the world. The event further strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading destination for international jiu-jitsu competitions and major global sporting events.

Championship to Feature Athletes Across Multiple Age Categories

The tournament will include competitions in masters, adult and youth divisions. Youth categories will cover under-14, under-16, under-18 and under-21 age groups, providing opportunities for athletes at different stages of development to compete on the world stage.

The championship highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to supporting talent development and strengthening its reputation as a major centre for martial arts and international sporting competitions.

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UAE Leadership Continues Support for Sport Development

The patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reflects the UAE leadership’s continued focus on sport as an important contributor to community development and quality of life.

Jiu-jitsu has become the UAE’s national sport, and the country has built a strong reputation for developing athletes, producing champions and hosting major international events. Through long-term investment and planning, Abu Dhabi has established itself as a leading global hub for the sport.

The UAE’s world-class sporting facilities, extensive event-hosting experience and strong sports infrastructure continue to support its role in advancing jiu-jitsu at the international level.

UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Focuses on Future Champions

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation continues to implement a long-term strategy aimed at identifying and developing Emirati talent while providing athletes with high-level training and support.

The federation’s approach is designed to maintain the UAE’s success in international competitions while helping expand the sport across local, regional and global levels.

As one of the most important events on the JJIF calendar, the 2026 Ju-Jitsu World Championship will bring together elite competitors from every continent for nine days of competition.

Alhashmi Highlights Importance of Championship

His Excellency Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union and Senior Vice President of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation, said the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reflects the strong support the UAE leadership continues to provide to sport.

He said the championship demonstrates the important position jiu-jitsu has achieved within the UAE’s sporting sector and highlights one of the country’s most successful sporting achievements.

Alhashmi added that the patronage brings additional prestige to the championship and reflects the confidence of the international sporting community in the UAE’s ability to organise major events. He noted that Abu Dhabi’s success in hosting the world’s largest jiu-jitsu competitions is the result of long-term planning, investment in modern facilities and strong organisational expertise.

He also reaffirmed the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s commitment to maintaining the country’s position among the world’s leading jiu-jitsu nations through continued investment in athlete development and performance support.

According to Alhashmi, the UAE national team enters the championship with high ambitions and aims to continue its successful international journey. Competing on home soil and in front of local supporters is expected to provide additional motivation as athletes face some of the world's best competitors.

Abu Dhabi Reinforces Position as Global Jiu-Jitsu Capital

The 2026 Ju-Jitsu World Championship is expected to deliver nine days of top-level competition featuring athletes from around the world. The event will once again showcase the UAE’s ability to host world-class sporting competitions while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s standing as the world capital of jiu-jitsu.