Zayed Bin Hamad attends Jiu-Jitsu World competitions

Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency, has attended part of the Ju-Jitsu World Championship 2026 competitions, hosted at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of elite male and female jiu-jitsu athletes from around the world.

Zayed Bin Hamad followed several under-18 bouts, which featured strong competitive performances by emerging talents from different countries, reflecting the prominent position the championship holds on the global jiu-jitsu calendar.

His Excellency also took part in the award ceremony for athletes who secured top positions across several weight categories, congratulating the winners on their outstanding performances and results, and wishing them continued success and further achievements in upcoming competitions.

His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan affirmed that Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the championship reflects the emirate’s continued commitment to supporting the sports sector, as well as its advanced organisational capabilities and world-class infrastructure, which enable it to attract leading international championships and sporting events, nurture athletic talent, and strengthen its presence at regional and global levels.

His Excellency Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “The attendance of His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan reflects the support and attention afforded to sport and athletes in the UAE, and provides participants with additional motivation to continue developing their performance and achieving further success. His Excellency’s participation in awarding the winners also represents a special moment for the participants and recognition of the performances and efforts they demonstrated throughout the competition.”

Abu Dhabi will continue to host the 18th edition of the championship until 9 August, with more than 1,500 athletes competing across the under-16, under-18, under-21 and adult categories. The event is hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and organised by the Ju-Jitsu International Federation.

Earlier, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation announced the formation of the organising committee for the 18th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC), which will take place from Nov.9 to 21, 2026, at the Mubadala Arena.

The announcement comes as the Federation steps up preparations for the championship, which serves as the culmination of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) Tour season and reinforces its status as the world’s largest jiu-jitsu championship.

The committee will be chaired by Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, with Mohamed Hussain Al Marzooqi, Board Member of the Federation, serving as Vice Chairman.