Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi has long affirmed its status as the world capital of jiu-jitsu, but 2025 may well be remembered as the year that vision was fully realised through a seamless integration of grassroots development and elite international competitions.
From the state-of-the-art mats of the Mubadala Arena to the global podiums in Bangkok, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) has marked a season defined by unparalleled organisational prowess and the emergence of a new generation of Emirati champions who no longer merely compete – they dominate.
The 17th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) served as the season's crown jewel in November. Held 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, the event drew thousands of athletes from over 100 nations, yet it was the local talent that proved the stars of the show.
The championship has evolved beyond a sporting event into a cultural cornerstone, where the values of discipline and resilience are passed from black belts to the thousands of children participating in the World Jiu-Jitsu Festival.
The competition reached new heights of technicality, with Lucas Protásio and Yara Nascimento cementing their legacies, while the UAE's own stars proved they belong in the highest echelons of the sport.
Domestically, the expansion of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship for a second season fundamentally shifted the competitive landscape within the Emirates.
Across eight gruelling rounds spanning Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, the series provided a consistent platform for local clubs to test their mettle. The final round in October saw more than 2,500 athletes descend upon the capital, reflecting a massive surge in participation.
The success of Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club in securing the No-Gi title, triumphing in a fierce rivalry with Baniyas and Al Ain, underscored the growing depth of the UAE's club system.
This domestic advancement has translated into international success, as evidenced by the national team's performance on the world stage.
Beyond the borders of the UAE, the national team – known affectionately as the Falcons – delivered a historic performance at the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Bangkok. The UAE topped the overall standings, a feat punctuated by the brilliance of the Al Kubaisi brothers.
Saeed Al Kubaisi secured gold in the 85kg division with a masterclass in submission grappling, while Abdullah Al Kubaisi successfully defended his 94kg world title in an all-Emirati final.
This dominance was mirrored by the youth squad, who returned from Thailand with a haul of medals that speaks to a robust talent pipeline.
Young athletes such as Sara Farook and Ali Alnajar have become household names within the community, embodying the success of the federation's long-term investment in school and club programmes.
The year's achievements were formally celebrated at the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, where Shamma Al Kalbani and Saeed Al Kubaisi were honoured as the best Emirati athletes of the season.
The ceremony was not just a celebration of individual medals but a recognition of the entire ecosystem – from the coaches and referees to the medical teams.
Looking ahead to 2026, the trajectory of the sport in the UAE shows no signs of winding down. Instead, mixed martial arts and jiu-jitsu events will make their presence in Al Ain and even Al Dhafra at the start of the year.
On the international front, series such as the AJP Tour are looking at new regions having made its presence felt in United States, Italy, Switzerland, Greece and many more.
The Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship also discovered new frontiers like Paris, Moscow and the Gold Coast in Australia.
The coming year promises a continued pursuit of excellence, where the mats of Abu Dhabi will remain the ultimate proving ground for the world's finest athletes.
