7,000 grapplers expected for 15th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

ABU DHABI: Some of the planet’s top grapplers will compete at the 15th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship from Nov. 1 to 10 at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City.

The event will be 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 UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has announced that a record 7,000 male and female athletes from 127 countries will participate, including several champions. Competitors will vie for a total prize purse of almost $817,000.

“Today, we celebrate 15 years of success and excellence that have significantly elevated the global jiu-jitsu landscape,” said Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and chairman of the organizing committee.

“We are excited to extend a warm welcome to the international jiu-jitsu community in the UAE and the world’s jiu-jitsu capital, Abu Dhabi. Our commitment is to ensure that everyone enjoys the finest possible experience, from their arrival in the capital to their departure after the tournament’s conclusion.”

Al-Dhaheri added: “We also unite in pride for the remarkable accomplishments of UAE athletes in numerous international championships held in Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and China. We take pride in the triumphs of our champions, in whom we placed our trust, and who rose to the challenge.

“These achievements stand as a testament to the fact that the seeds of success sown by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE, have flourished, borne fruit, and blossomed worldwide. Without his highness’ unwavering support, the sport of jiu-jitsu would not have made such rapid