Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, more than 8,000 male and female athletes from more than 130 countries will participate in the 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, the largest and most prestigious event on the global jiu-jitsu calendar.

His Excellency Abdulmonem Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, extended his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for supporting the sport in the country, and to His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for his patronage of this global landmark annual event.

His Excellency said: “Thanks to our wise leadership’s support, jiu-jitsu has seen a remarkable growth across the world. Abu Dhabi has established itself as a global destination for nurturing talents, producing new generations of champions, and fostering cultural exchange and diversity by attracting athletes from around the world to the UAE, further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for this sport.

“The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship celebrates the values of excellence, distinction, innovation and discipline. Over the years, it has been instrumental in creating generations of distinguished male and female athletes who have proudly represented the UAE worldwide. The championship continues to inspire athletes around the world, while further driving Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for sporting excellence and a bridge between diverse cultures.

"The significant rise in the number of athletes each year highlights Abu Dhabi as a global sports platform, drawing top global talents, fostering cultural exchange and promoting international collaborations through sports. It also reflects the UAE’s sustainable development of local champions, enabling them to win at regional and international events."

The 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship builds on national sporting achievements, boosting a 15-year legacy of rich assets and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as the global capital of jiu-jitsu. As one of the world’s premier sports events, the championship attracts elite professional players from around the globe, while encouraging community engagement and fostering a culture of healthy and active lifestyle.

The 12-day Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship features competitions across various categories and age groups, beginning with the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival for kids on 6-7 November 2024.

On 7 November 2024, the Para Jiu-Jitsu competition will take place for People of Determination athletes, followed by the Youth competitions on 8-9 November 2024. Amateurs will compete on 10-11 November 2024, while Masters' events are scheduled for 12-13 November 2024. The championship will wrap up with the Professionals' competitions on 14-16 November 2024, leading to the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards on 17 November 2024, where champions and outstanding clubs and entities will be honoured.