ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Abu Dhabi is set to host the world's leading jiu-jitsu athletes for the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship at Mubadala Arena from 1 to 9 August, with the UAE national team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, stepping up its final preparations.
The nine-day programme will cover the Under-16, U18, U21, Adults and Masters categories.
The opening day, 1 August, is reserved for the Under-14 World Cup.
The UAE squad will compete across several age groups, blending experienced competitors with emerging talent as part of a sustained pathway from youth to senior level.
The national team is following an intensive training programme aimed at improving physical and technical readiness, strengthening mental preparation and addressing the specific demands of each age and weight category. Coaching staff are overseeing the final phase with category-specific plans designed to ensure athletes arrive in peak condition for a championship that is expected to showcase a high technical standard and diverse fighting styles.
Yasser Al Qubaisi, in charge of the national teams within UAEJJF, said the athletes enter the World Championship in high spirits after its successful campaign at the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
"The Asian Championship confirmed our athletes' ability to compete at the highest level and cope with the pressure of major tournaments. It also provided the coaching staff with valuable insights into the team's readiness across all categories. As soon as it concluded, our focus shifted to the World Championship through a preparation programme designed to ensure every athlete is fully prepared, both technically and competitively.
"The World Championship presents a different level of challenge because of its scale and the quality of competition. It demands the highest levels of discipline and concentration. We have great confidence in our athletes, while recognising that every contest requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of each opponent. Our goal is to deliver strong, consistent performances and make the most of competing at home in front of our supporters."
Al Qubaisi added that fielding athletes across multiple age categories underlines the continuity of the national team programme and gives younger competitors valuable experience against the world's best as they prepare for the next stage of their careers.
Yousef Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UAEJJF) and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the upcoming competitions, said: "Hosting both the World Championship and the U14 World Cup reflects Abu Dhabi's reputation on the international jiu-jitsu stage, built on the support of the UAE's wise leadership, years of organisational experience and continued investment in the development of the sport locally and globally.
"Over nine days, Abu Dhabi will welcome several generations of jiu-jitsu athletes, from the Under-14 category through to the world's top senior competitors. This reflects the continued growth of the sport and its expanding global reach. Hosting an event of this scale brings added responsibility to deliver a championship that matches the UAE's reputation and provides athletes and delegations with an outstanding experience."
Al Batran saw the tournament participation as an end result from "years of work" from the perspective of local athletes to nurture talent and provide regular international competition. Competing on home soil gives our athletes extra motivation to deliver performances that reflect the progress of UAE jiu-jitsu and its growing presence on the world stage.
The U14 World Cup on the opening day places young talent in the spotlight before the older categories begin. Staging all age groups within a single championship supports the Federation's approach of early talent identification through to senior level on a global platform that brings together athletes, coaches, referees and experts.