News DeskAbu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival continued to draw strong participation and family turnout on Friday as young athletes from around the world took to the mats on Day 3 of the 17th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Held 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, this year’s championship has attracted more than 10,000 athletes from over 130 countries, reinforcing the Capital’s position as the global centre of the sport.
Friday’s competitions focused on the kids’ divisions, with hundreds of young boys and girls representing academies and clubs locally and internationally. Families filled the stands in support, creating a festive atmosphere at the Mubadala Arena.
Senior officials attending the event included Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF); Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Sports; Dr Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University; and other board members and partners from the UAEJJF and Palms Sports.
Speaking on the sidelines, Al Hajeri praised the scale and organisation of the championship. “We congratulate the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for delivering an event that sets a new benchmark for professionalism. The turnout of kids from the UAE reflects the strength of the sport’s grassroots base, which is essential for future success,” he said.
He added that the atmosphere once again highlighted Abu Dhabi’s status as the world capital of jiu-jitsu. “The championship showcases the UAE’s sports sector not just through competition, but through the cultural and human values it shares with the world,” he said.
UAEJJF Board Member Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri said the strong presence of families demonstrated the vital community role jiu-jitsu now plays in the country. “Parents following their children’s matches moment by moment shows how the sport has become both a national project and a deep-rooted social culture,” he said. “Its values begin at home and help build children’s character, confidence and wellbeing.”
Parents attending the festival echoed the sentiment. Fatima Al Shehi, whose son Aws competes for ADMA Academy, said jiu-jitsu has strengthened her child’s discipline and academic focus. “It’s not just physical training; it shapes character and teaches responsibility. My son has become more confident and focused, and it has positively impacted his school performance,” she said.
From abroad, families expressed appreciation for Abu Dhabi’s role in elevating the sport. Anthony Ciccone, who travelled from Australia with his six-year-old son Roman, said the global reputation of the championship was a major draw. “It’s one of the largest and most professionally managed events in the world. It teaches young athletes the real meaning of fair competition,” he said.
“Abu Dhabi has shown it is the global home of jiu-jitsu by creating an environment that combines sporting excellence with cultural richness,” he added.
With the kids’ competitions concluded, the championship continues over the coming days as more age categories and belt divisions take centre stage at one of the world’s premier jiu-jitsu events.
