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The global Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community is preparing for one of its biggest annual competitions as the 18th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship returns to Mubadala Arena at Zayed Sports City from November 9–21. The event is expected to attract more than 10,000 athletes representing over 130 countries, with an overall prize pool exceeding AED 3 million.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the championship represents another major step in the UAE’s efforts to establish itself as a global centre for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
According to figures released during the November 6 press conference, more than 5,000 international athletes are expected to travel to the UAE, while approximately 54 per cent of registered participants are from outside the country. The remaining 46 per cent will represent domestic clubs and academies, highlighting the development of the sport within the UAE.
The 2026 edition will feature competitors from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, creating opportunities for athletes from different training backgrounds to compete on an international platform.
Championship to feature multiple divisions
The 18th edition will extend beyond professional competition, with amateur, youth, masters and para jiu-jitsu divisions included in the programme.
The World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship will take place on November 9–10, followed by the World Para Jiu-Jitsu Championship on November 10. The youth competition is scheduled for November 11–13, while the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival will run from November 14–16.
The World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship will follow on November 17–18, before the professional divisions bring the event to a conclusion between November 19 and 21.
The inclusion of different age groups and competitive categories allows athletes at various stages of their careers to participate. It also provides younger competitors with an opportunity to gain international experience before progressing towards professional competition.
The para jiu-jitsu division is another important component, offering athletes with disabilities a dedicated platform to demonstrate their abilities and compete internationally.
More than AED 3 million in prize money
The championship will offer an overall prize pool exceeding AED 3 million, making it an important financial opportunity for professional competitors.
Elite BJJ athletes often invest considerable time and resources into training, travelling and participating in international tournaments. Events offering substantial financial rewards can therefore play an important role in supporting professional careers and encouraging greater participation.
The organisers have confirmed the overall prize pool, although a complete breakdown of individual payouts across the professional divisions has not been published in the announcements reviewed.
The financial incentives, combined with the international participation, are expected to attract established competitors and emerging prospects looking to strengthen their reputations.
Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The championship also reflects the UAE’s long-term investment in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Over the past two decades, Abu Dhabi has developed a strong presence in the international grappling community through competitions, athlete development programmes and support for domestic academies.
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, chaired by Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed Alhashmi, has played a central role in developing the sport within the country and expanding its international reach.
The championship has gradually developed into an important destination for international athletes, coaches and academies. Its continued expansion demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leading centre for professional jiu-jitsu.
The event also contributes to the emirate’s wider sporting and tourism objectives, attracting thousands of international visitors and generating activity across hospitality, accommodation and transport sectors.
Emirati athletes looking to make an impression
While international participation remains a major attraction, the championship also provides an important opportunity for UAE athletes to compete against some of the world’s strongest practitioners.
Former UAE champion Faisal Al Ketbi, who first competed in the championship as a blue belt in 2009, highlighted the tournament’s development over the years. Having progressed through the brown and black belt divisions, he has witnessed the improvement in competitive standards and the growing international interest in the event.
Emirati athlete Asma Al Hosani is another competitor attracting attention. She previously became the first Emirati woman to reach the final of the professional brown/black belt division in 2024 and is targeting gold in the 2026 edition.
Her progress also reflects the growing opportunities for women in Emirati jiu-jitsu, with domestic development programmes helping athletes gain experience and compete at higher levels.
Brazilian competitor Jefferson Goteu was also among the personalities present at the November 6 press conference, highlighting the championship’s international appeal.
A major event for the global grappling community
The 2026 championship comes at a time when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to expand across different regions. Countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East have invested in academies, national programmes and international competition opportunities, increasing the depth of talent available in the sport.
Abu Dhabi has become an important part of that expansion by providing a platform where established professionals and developing athletes can compete against international opposition.
For academies, the event offers an opportunity to evaluate their training systems and identify areas for improvement. Younger athletes can also observe experienced competitors and gain valuable exposure to the demands of international competition.
With more than 10,000 athletes expected, representatives from over 130 countries and an overall prize pool exceeding AED 3 million, the 18th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is preparing to deliver another major international sporting spectacle.
The professional divisions, scheduled for November 19–21, will provide the final highlight of the 13-day programme as elite competitors compete for championship honours.
For Abu Dhabi, the event represents more than another international tournament. It is a continuation of nearly two decades of investment in a sport that has become an important part of the emirate’s sporting identity.
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