The official opening ceremony of Ju-Jitsu World Championship 2026, organised by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, was held at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Running until 9 August 2026, the championship is bringing together more than 1,500 athletes from around the world, competing across the under-16, under-18, under-21 and adult divisions.
The ceremony began with the UAE National Anthem, followed by a video screening showcasing the championship’s journey and highlighting Abu Dhabi’s leading role in developing jiu-jitsu, creating champions and hosting major international competitions.
His Excellency Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and Senior Vice President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, said: “We express our deepest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage of the championship and his continued support for the development of jiu-jitsu, reflecting the UAE leadership’s continued commitment to sport and athletes, and provides tremendous motivation for competitors to perform at their very best.
“The gathering of more than 1,500 athletes in Abu Dhabi reflects the international community’s confidence in the capital’s position as a world-class host of major sporting events. We look forward to outstanding competition that will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s contribution to the development of jiu-jitsu, while providing an opportunity for the UAE’s athletes to deliver performances worthy of the nation’s ambitions.”
Asma Alhosani, a member of the UAE National Team, delivered the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s address on behalf of His Excellency Abdulmunem Alhashmi, welcoming the athletes, coaches and participating delegations, and emphasising that the championship brings together competitors from around the world through the shared values of respect, discipline and fair play.
Panagiotis Theodoropoulos also delivered the address of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, expressing his appreciation to the UAE and its leadership, praising Abu Dhabi’s standing on the global sporting stage and its advanced organisational capabilities, which continue to provide an exceptional experience for athletes and delegations.
