Abu Dhabi, October 17, 2024: The Board of Directors of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation met to assess the successful execution of local, continental, and international championships held during the 2024 sports season. The meeting also focused on the achievements of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
The meeting, held at the Federation’s headquarters, was chaired by H.E. Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Attendees included H.E. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the Federation, and board members H.E. Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, H.E. Mansour Mohammed Al Dhaheri, and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, General Secretary of the Federation. Also present were Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali, Director of the Technical Department; Mohammed Hussein Al Marzooqi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications; and Tariq Omar Al Bahri, Director of Support Services.
H.E. Alhashmi opened the meeting by thanking His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council, for their continued support of the sport. He said: “The support of our wise leadership is the key to the success of jiu-jitsu locally and internationally. It has helped position the UAE as a global leader in the sport and achieve significant accomplishments at both the continental and international levels.”
The meeting also discussed the national team’s preparations for the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Greece this October, emphasising the intensive training camp designed to boost the athletes’ technical and physical readiness and ensure a strong performance that reflects the team’s commitment, building on their legacy of four consecutive World Jiu-Jitsu Championship titles.
The board also reviewed the progress of the current sports season, which has seen strong local and international participation in various events that are key to expanding the base of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, fostering community engagement across all segments, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
A comprehensive report on the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship was presented, covering technical, financial, marketing, and media aspects. The report highlighted the success of the championship, particularly the significant growth in participants. So far, the four rounds have attracted 7,700 male and female athletes from 60 clubs and academies across the UAE, reflecting the Federation’s effective strategy to broaden the sport’s reach and raise awareness of its physical and mental benefits.
The report also noted the strong public turnout, with over 10,000 spectators attending the four rounds of competition. This growing popularity has enhanced the competitive atmosphere, motivating athletes to deliver outstanding performances.
The Board of Directors commended the success of the championship, stating that it marks a major milestone in the development of jiu-jitsu in the UAE. The event has uncovered new talent, elevated the standard of competition, boosted public interest, and provided a highly competitive environment that adheres to top international standards.
The fifth and final round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship will take place in December at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. It is expected to draw intense competition from top athletes representing the country’s leading academies and clubs and battling for the championship’s inaugural title.
The meeting also touched upon the final preparations for the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, set to take place in November. H.E. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the Federation and Chairman of the championship’s Organizing Committee said: “Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship continues to establish itself as the top international Jiu-Jitsu events, drawing elite athletes from around the world. This edition marks a key moment in the journey of the event, especially in terms of global participation further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as the world’s Jiu-Jitsu capital.”
He added: “We are focused on maintaining the high standards of the world’s largest Jiu-Jitsu championship, ensuring top-level organisation and creating the best experience for both participants and fans.”
The board also discussed the agenda for the 2025 season, with a focus on diversifying events to support sustainable development and growth in the sport. Plans were outlined to expand the scope of competitions to include additional age groups, attract elite athletes from around the world and enhancing the Abu Dhabi’s position as the world capital for jiu-jitsu.
