UAE jiu-jitsu national team clinch 12 medals at Paris Open Grand Prix

The UAE jiu-jitsu national team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, wrapped up the 2026 Paris Open Grand Prix campaign with an impressive haul of 12 medals, including five golds.

The impressive haul emphasised the team’s composed, consistent performance on the mats across two days of high-level competition in the French capital.

The UAE national team opened their campaign with two gold medals, one silver, and two bronze on day one, before adding seven more the following afternoon, including three more gold, two silver, and two bronze.

Abdulrahman Abdulhaq secured the country’s first gold in Paris, triumphing in the 62kg category, while Faisal Alwahedi topped the 69kg division. Ahmad Khalifa Andeez earned silver at 69kg, while Rashed Mohammed Alshehhi and Abdulrahman Sayedna Sayed Mohammed each claimed bronze in the 56kg division.

Day two saw gold medals from Maryam Adnan Ali (45kg), Balqees Abdulkarim (48kg), and Ammar Khalil Al Hosani (94kg).

Silver medals were secured by Al Anoud Ibrahim Al Harbi (48kg) and Saeed Hamad Al Kaabi (85kg), while Abdullah Ahmed Al Kaabi (94kg) and Meera Hassan Al Hosani (52kg) added two bronze medals.

The competition featured strong international participation, with athletes presenting diverse technical styles, resulting in closely contested bouts where outcomes were often decided by fine margins.

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, congratulated the athletes on their performance.

He said: “The level demonstrated reflects a clear commitment to the technical programme and the ability to execute under the demands of high-level competition, where managing each phase of the bout requires precision and discipline.

“This participation forms part of a long-term preparation programme focused on enhancing performance quality, and preparing athletes to compete against opponents from different technical schools. The continued support of the UAE leadership provides the framework that enables this approach, offering regular exposure to high-level competition, which is reflected in the team’s progress and growing ability to succeed internationally.”

Abdulhaq described his performance as ‘high from the very first bout,’ emphasising that staying focused made all the difference.

Balqees remarked, “At this level, success is determined by making the right decisions at the right moment.”

The team departs Paris with clear signs of both consistency and competitive depth, further solidifying the UAE’s growing prominence on the international jiu-jitsu stage.

Their performances have not only demonstrated individual skill and resilience but also highlighted the strength of the nation’s overall jiu-jitsu program.

This success reinforces the UAE’s position as a formidable force in the global jiu-jitsu community, marking another significant step toward continued excellence on the world stage.

Recently, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu national team clinched six medals including two gold, two silver medals at the 6th Asian Beach Games held in Sanya, China last week.

The results which featured competitions in the men’s 69kg and 77kg divisions and the women’s 57kg category, confirmed the UAE team’s consistent and balanced performance, as well as its ability to handle the challenges of a tournament marked by closely matched levels and diverse technical styles.

Mahdi Al Awlaqi delivered an outstanding performance to secure a silver medal in the highly competitive 77kg category, showcasing his technical skill and composure under pressure. His result not only reflects his personal dedication but also underscores the strength of the UAE’s jiu-jitsu program on the international stage.

Shamsa Al Ameri demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to claim a bronze medal in the fiercely contested 57kg division.

The achievement highlights the effectiveness of the federation’s preparation system, built on the integration of technical, physical, and mental aspects, and its ability to translate readiness into tangible results in high-level competitive environments across major continental and international events.