Abu Dhabi Welcomes 17th World Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the 17th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is scheduled from 12th to 22nd November at Mubadala Arena, Zayed Sports City.

This year, we see a historic rise in participation with 10,000 athletes, both male and female, from more than 130 countries, making it the most competitive edition to date. This milestone reinforces Abu Dhabi's reputation as a global jiu-jitsu hub and a go-to location for international sporting events.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice-Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee, expressed gratitude toward President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his essential support in promoting the sport both locally and globally. He praised the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, noting that the championship serves as a global arena for competition, cultural exchange, and community development.

“This year’s championship is our largest yet, featuring 10,000 athletes from around the globe. We invite everyone to the UAE, a nation celebrated for its creativity, generosity, and tolerance,” Al Dhaheri remarked.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, stated that the championship embodies Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a world-class sports hub. Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategy Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, emphasized the event’s contribution to social and economic progress through sports.

Consistent sponsors like Jaguar Land Rover and First Abu Dhabi Bank reaffirmed their commitment to jiu-jitsu, highlighting the importance of youth empowerment and the promotion of positive values.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, revealed that 730 clubs and academies are partaking, with 32% of competitors being female and 60% hailing from international backgrounds, showcasing the championship's expanding global reach and organizational excellence.

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

Now in its 17th iteration, the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship consistently raises benchmarks in participation, quality, and international involvement, solidifying the UAE's role in the global evolution of this sport.