Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) is gearing up for the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, set to take place at Mubadala Arena from Nov.6 to Nov.17.

With an expected 8,000 athletes from 130 countries, the championship solidifies its position as the most significant event on the global jiu-jitsu calendar.

Since its inauguration in 2009, when it hosted 500 athletes from 50 countries, the championship has seen remarkable growth.

The 15th edition last year drew over 7,000 participants from 127 countries, and the 2024 edition promises to surpass even those impressive numbers, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for the sport.

Fans can expect a packed schedule featuring Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival on Nov.6-7, and Para-jiu-jitsu competitions on Nov.7, followed with youth competitions on November 8 and 9, Amateur competitions on Nov.9 and Nov.10, Masters' on November 10 and 11, and Professional competitions from November 14 to 16. The event will conclude with the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards on Nov.17.

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAEJJF and Chairman of the the Championship Organising Committee, remarked: “We are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for this year’s championship, adhering to the highest global standards. The continuous growth in participation is evident, and we are confident that this edition will elevate the global jiu-jitsu scene to new heights.

“With the extension of competition days, we are providing more athletes the chance to compete, and this year’s championship will continue to build on previous successes, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as the global capital of jiu-jitsu” added Dhaheri.

Dhaheri emphasised that the championship's growing popularity and success stem from the solid support of the UAE’s leadership which has been instrumental in establishing Abu Dhabi as a global epicentre for jiu-jitsu.

Dhaheri emphasized the championship’s dual role as a platform for local talent development and a global stage for competitors seeking to improve their rankings and to compete and engage with the event on a broader scale.

“The success of the championship in attracting thousands of participants from around the world highlights its universal appeal and its role in uniting cultures through sport,” Al Dhaheri continued.

Mohammed Hussein Al Marzooqi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at UAEJJF and Director of the Championship, added: “The organizing committee is working closely with key partners like Abu Dhabi Police, the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, and the Ministry of Interior to ensure the event runs seamlessly. From world-class infrastructure to detailed volunteer coordination, health and safety, our goal is to deliver an unprecedented experience for everyone involved.”

“With extraordinary participation expected this year, we are striving to accommodate the rising number of athletes. Our efforts are focused on ensuring this edition truly reflects Abu Dhabi’s status as a global sports capital,” Al Marzooqi said.

This year’s event will feature some of the world’s top-ranked jiu-jitsu athletes, including Lucas Protasio, Felipe Bezerra, and Julia Alves from Brazil, the UAE’s Marwa Al Hosani, and Chris Boyer from the USA.

The surge in registrations—exceeding 50% two months ahead of the event—underscores the growing anticipation. As such, athletes are encouraged to secure their spots early, with registrations expected to close sooner than planned due to high demand.

Abu Dhabi continues to consolidate its position as the world capital of jiu-jitsu by hosting the largest international championships and attracting elite sports stars from all over the world.”