Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Championship Set to Welcome Over 2,000 Athletes from 75 Countries
The highly anticipated Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Championship is set to kick off this Friday morning at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, bringing together more than 2,000 male and female athletes representing 75 countries. Over the course of three days, the championship will see intense competition, particularly in the masters and amateur categories, with expectations high for thrilling contests among elite global competitors.
Serving as the final round of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam global series for the current season, the event follows successful editions held in Moscow, Rome, Rio de Janeiro, and Istanbul. This sequence of international venues showcases the advanced standing Abu Dhabi has achieved as a leader in the global development of jiu-jitsu.
According to Abdulmunem Al Hashemi, the championship “has become one of the world’s leading jiu-jitsu events since its launch in 2015.” He emphasized that the tournament is integral in “developing talent, producing champions and expanding the sport globally through the UAE’s strategic vision for jiu-jitsu development.” Al Hashemi also highlighted the emirate’s role as a “global hub for jiu-jitsu,” citing an “integrated system of more than 250 championships and initiatives organized annually worldwide.” He further expressed gratitude for the unwavering support UAE sports receives from the nation’s “wise leadership and its continuous commitment to build a strong generation capable of continuing the journey of achievements and successes in various international forums.”
Mohammed Zaid, Operations Director at the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Association, affirmed that “all organisational, technical and logistical preparations had been completed according to the highest international standards.” He noted that the association plans to hold a press conference in the near future to announce both the championship agenda and its strategic plans for the next three years, as part of ongoing efforts to expand the Grand Slam’s global reach.
A notable highlight of the championship will be the “Crown Your Son” initiative, featured during the second day for kids, youth and juvenile categories in support of the UAE’s “Year of the Family”. Furthermore, the tournament will utilize the cutting-edge “Falcon Eye” refereeing system for greater transparency and accuracy in officiating decisions.
Matches will be held across nine mats on the first and third days and on 11 mats on the second day to accommodate the extensive range of participants in different age groups.
This weekend, the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Association is also orchestrating a global tour, staging seven championships in seven countries: Mongolia, the UAE, Colombia, Chile, China, Romania, and Russia, with a cumulative participation of 4,931 male and female athletes.
In tandem with Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Regional Championship in Mongolia will be held, drawing 513 athletes from 30 academies. In Colombia, the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro – Mosquera International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 is scheduled for Saturday with 350 athletes from nine countries and 33 academies. Chile will host its national championship with 369 athletes from 11 nations, while Romania’s Brasov International Jiu-Jitsu Championship attracts 293 competitors from six countries. Over in China, the Erenhot Regional Jiu-Jitsu Championship will see 596 participants from four countries and 40 academies on May 16th and 17th. The series will conclude next Sunday in Russia with the Saint Petersburg Jiu-Jitsu Festival 2026, featuring 421 athletes representing 10 countries and 37 academies.
With its global reach and unwavering commitment to excellence, Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its status as a central powerhouse in the world of jiu-jitsu.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
