17th edition of Abu Dhabi World Pro kicks off today

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 17th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship will get underway on Wednesday at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City.

Running until Nov.22, the championship will welcome over 10,000 athletes from more than 130 countries, marking the largest edition in its history since its inception in 2009.

Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the championship is the most prominent event on the international jiu-jitsu calendar, bringing together the world’s elite athletes across various divisions and age groups.

It highlights years of progress and excellence in organisation that have cemented Abu Dhabi’s status as the world capital of jiu-jitsu and the home of its most prestigious competitions.

This year’s edition has recorded an 11 per cent increase in athlete participation compared to last year, with more than 730 clubs and academies from around the world taking part.

International athletes account for 60 per cent of the total participants, reaffirming the championship’s position as a leading global event in the sport.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee, said: “As we launch the 17th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, we are pleased to welcome guests from around the world to the UAE, a nation known for peace, tolerance and friendship.

“The championship reflects our leadership’s vision to strengthen the UAE’s position on the global sports map and to promote sport as a key part of human development and the future.

“The event has become a platform that brings together cultures from across the world, showcasing our values of diversity, inclusion and excellence.

“Every year, the championship proves its ability to grow and innovate, thanks to the strong organisation and professionalism that have made it a global model for sports events.

“The record participation in this 17th edition is the result of continuous efforts to grow the sport and develop athletes, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role in promoting jiu-jitsu and its standing locally and globally as the UAE’s national sport.”

The competitions will kick with the amateur category. The Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival, featuring competitions for kids, will take place from Nov.13 to 15, alongside Para Jiu-Jitsu competitions on Nov.13.

The youth categories’ competitions will be held on Nov.16 and 17, followed by the master’s on Nov.18 and 19. The championship will conclude with the professional competitions from Nov.20 to 22.

As the world’s largest gathering of jiu-jitsu athletes, the championship will once again unite leading competitors from around the globe in a showcase of talent, excitement and fair play.