Abu Dhabi to host nine-day Jiu-Jitsu World Championship at Mubadala Arena

ABU DHABI — Abu Dhabi is preparing to welcome the world's elite jiu-jitsu athletes for a nine-day competition programme featuring the Under-16, Under-18, Under-21, Adults and Masters categories, as the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship takes over Mubadala Arena from August 1 to 9.

The opening day, August 1, will be dedicated to the 2026 World Cup — U14, staged alongside the main championship and extending the programme across every level of the sport, from young beginners to the world's leading senior competitors.

The UAE national team is stepping up its preparations for the event, fielding a squad across several age categories that blends experienced competitors with emerging talent, an approach the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation says reflects its long-term strategy of building a pathway from the youth divisions through to the senior ranks.

Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, board member of the federation and chairman of the championship's organising committee, said hosting both the World Championship and the U14 World Cup reflected Abu Dhabi's standing on the international jiu-jitsu stage, built on the support of the UAE's leadership, years of organisational experience and sustained investment in the sport at home and abroad. Over the nine days, he said, the capital would welcome several generations of athletes, a sign of the sport's continued growth and expanding global reach.

The championship follows a strong showing by the UAE squad in Kazakhstan, where the team was crowned Asian champions at the third Jiu-Jitsu Asian Youth Championship and the 10th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship in Almaty from July 13 to 19. The side collected 55 medals, 20 gold, 15 silver and 20 bronze, across the U-16, U-18, U-21 and adult categories, and retained its continental title in the adults' competition after topping the overall standings.

Mubadala Arena, a regular host of major martial arts events, offers competition-grade mats, athlete recovery areas and seating for thousands.