Abu Dhabi, August : Around 12,000 athletes from around the world are expected to compete at the 18th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with registrations continuing to rise ahead of the event at Mubadala Arena from November 9-21.
Preparations are well underway, with the Organising Committee working across all areas to ensure the championship is ready to welcome the expected number of athletes over 13 days of competition.
Planning covers everything from registration and accreditation to competition, warm-up areas, medical services, crowd management, security and safety. Teams are also working closely with relevant authorities and partners to ensure operations run smoothly throughout the championship.
Work is also underway to enhance the experience for the attendees away from the competition mats. Fans can expect expanded activities for families and children, alongside new initiatives and interactive experiences. The Fitness District and other features from previous editions will return with further additions.
H.E. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee, said preparations are at an advanced stage, with the focus now on completing the final details and ensuring everything is ready for athletes and fans.
He said: “The strong interest in registration shows the global standing of the championship. It also gives us a greater responsibility to continue improving the event and providing the best possible experience for athletes, academies and fans.
“We are working closely with our partners across all areas, including security and safety, medical services, media operations and the fan experience. Early planning and close coordination are very important for an event that runs for 13 days.
“The championship has grown over nearly two decades and has become an important event for generations of athletes and academies. It has also played an important role in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a the world capital of jiu-jitsu.”
Mohammed Al Marzooqi, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Vice Chairman of the championship’s Organising Committee, said preparations have moved into the implementation stage, with teams focused on operational readiness and coordination between the different committees and partners.
He said: “We are working with our partners on new initiatives to improve the experience for athletes and fans. The championship includes several categories and runs for 13 days, so it requires careful planning and coordination. Responsibilities have been assigned, and we have clear processes in place to monitor preparations and make sure all areas are ready.”
The championship begins with the Amateur competitions on November 9–10, followed by Para Jiu-Jitsu on November 10 and the Youth competitions from November 11–13. The Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival (kids competitions) runs from November 14–16, followed by the Masters on November 17–18, before the championship concludes with the Professional competitions from November 19–21.
