Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Inaugurates 16th Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, officially inaugurated the 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. The event, which is being held at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, will run until November 16, 2024. 

Sheikh Khaled attended part of the ongoing competition and took the opportunity to personally award medals to several of the winners, highlighting his strong support for the sport.

This year’s championship has drawn more than 9,000 athletes from across 137 countries, with competitors spanning multiple age groups and skill categories. The significant turnout reflects the event’s growing global appeal and the increasing prominence of Abu Dhabi as a key hub for jiu-jitsu.

In his speech, Sheikh Khaled emphasized the importance of the championship in fostering the next generation of champions. He stressed that the event plays a crucial role in developing the skills and capabilities of athletes, enhancing their potential in both local and international jiu-jitsu competitions. He also pointed to the event’s broader impact on the UAE’s efforts to promote the sport nationwide. Sheikh Khaled highlighted how jiu-jitsu is not only a source of physical and mental strength but also a tool for instilling values of discipline, perseverance, and commitment among the youth.

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Accompanying Sheikh Khaled at the opening ceremony were several high-profile officials, including His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, the Minister of Sports; Her Excellency Sara Awadh Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge; His Excellency Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Al Hashmi, the Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union; as well as senior officials from the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and other dignitaries.

In a statement, His Excellency Abdulmunem Al Hashmi expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their continuous and visionary support, which has been vital in elevating the sport of jiu-jitsu both in the UAE and internationally. He credited their leadership for advancing the sport’s popularity and embedding its core values within Emirati society.

Al Hashmi further noted that the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship has grown substantially over the years, both in terms of the number of participants and the attention it garners worldwide. He mentioned that the competition not only serves as a platform for emerging talent but also helps to advance the careers of professional athletes. Furthermore, it continues to reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a global jiu-jitsu hub and a prime destination for athletes and fans alike.

The championship also serves as an opportunity for Abu Dhabi to showcase its rich cultural heritage to a global audience, further solidifying its standing as a leading city in the global sporting landscape. The event continues to inspire young athletes and promote the values of jiu-jitsu to a worldwide audience, ensuring that the sport’s growth continues to flourish in the years to come.