Abu Dhabi, November 4, 2024: 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, the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is set for a start at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City tomorrow. The championship, running from November 6 to 16, features 9,000 male and female athletes from 137 countries.
His Excellency Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, welcomed guests to their second home, the UAE and expressed confidence that, with the support of all partners and sponsors, the Federation would deliver a memorable experience for the athletes and their delegations, fostering excellence in sports.
He highlighted that every visitor to the UAE, a homeland of peace, coexistence, and tolerance, will find what they seek and experience something unforgettable, returning home as ambassadors of the UAE with admiration and pride.
The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship has shown exceptional growth in participation, underlining its global status and significant role in developing and promoting jiu-jitsu. From 260 participants in its inaugural edition in 2009, the championship saw 5,000 competitors in 2022, reaching 9,000 in 2024—an 80% increase in registration over the last two years. There has also been a 50% rise in international athletes since 2022, strengthening the event’s global appeal. Clubs and academies from countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, Brazil, and Colombia contribute significantly to this diverse event, highlighting its role in fostering international engagement in jiu-jitsu.
Khaled Al Shehhi, competing in the 62kg black belt category, said” “I’ve been training hard with my teammates, sharpening my style and skills for this challenge. I’m ready to compete and aiming for the gold medal.”
The championship will commence with an impressive opening ceremony featuring various entertainment activities, in addition to performances by Emirati jiu-jitsu athletes.
Competition Schedule
The championship kicks off with the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival for the Kids category on November 6 and 7, giving young athletes a chance to showcase their skills. Para-Jiu-Jitsu competitions are set for November 7, followed by the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship on November 8 and 9. The Amateur category will compete on November 10 and 11, while the Masters, showcasing seasoned athletes, will compete on November 12 and 13. The tournament concludes with the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship from November 14 to 16, followed by the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards ceremony on November 17.
