Global Jiu-Jitsu Stars Unite in Abu Dhabi’s 17th Edition

Under the 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 will be held from 12th to 22nd November at the Mubadala Arena, Zayed Sports City.

This year, registration closed with a record-breaking 10,000 athletes—both male and female—from over 130 countries, making it the largest and most competitive edition in the event’s history. The milestone highlights Abu Dhabi’s standing as the global hub of jiu-jitsu and a premier destination for international sports.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice-Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee, thanked President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support in elevating the sport nationally and internationally. He also praised the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, describing the championship as a global platform for competition, cultural exchange, and community building.

“This year’s championship is the biggest yet, with 10,000 athletes from around the world. We welcome everyone to the UAE, a country known for creativity, generosity, and tolerance,” Al Dhaheri said.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the championship reflects Abu Dhabi’s ambition to be a global sports hub. Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategy Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the event’s role in boosting social and economic growth through sport.

Long-term partners, including Jaguar Land Rover and First Abu Dhabi Bank, reaffirmed their support for jiu-jitsu, emphasising youth empowerment and the promotion of positive values.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, noted that 730 clubs and academies are participating, with 32% female competitors and 60% international participants, demonstrating the championship’s growing global reach and organizational excellence.

The competition will kick off on 12th November with the amateur category, followed by the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival and Para Jiu-Jitsu events from 13th to 15th November. Youth events take place on 16th and 17th November, masters’ divisions on 18th and 19th November, and professional contests will close the championship from 20th to 22nd November.

Now in its 17th edition, the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship continues to set new standards in participation, quality, and international engagement, cementing the UAE’s role in the global growth of the sport.