The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship returned for its record-breaking 16th edition from November 6 to 16, 2024, at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the championship attracted more than 9,000 participants from 137 nations — the largest field in the event's history.
A Record-Breaking Edition for Jiu-Jitsu's Global Capital
The 2024 championship surpassed every previous edition in scale, with an extended schedule, additional competition mats, and greater overall capacity to accommodate competitors across all weight classes and skill levels. Abu Dhabi has grown into the undisputed global capital of jiu-jitsu, and the 16th edition cemented that status on the world stage.
Officials from the UAE government and the sport's governing bodies spoke at a press conference held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Saud Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Aref Hamad Al Awani, and Yaqoub Al Saadi briefed participants on the UAE's continued investment in promoting jiu-jitsu internationally.
UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Chairman Highlights Abu Dhabi's Global Role
Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the collective effort behind the record-breaking event.
"This record-breaking championship gathers the world's top jiu-jitsu athletes in Abu Dhabi — a city that has become the jiu-jitsu capital of the world," he said. He also thanked sponsors for their contribution in helping Abu Dhabi maintain its position as one of the world's leading cities for sport.
Economic and Cultural Impact at Mubadala Arena
Speakers representing key sponsors highlighted the championship's wider significance beyond sport. Futoon Al Mazrouei from First Abu Dhabi Bank and Saed Hijazi Salama of Premier Motors both pointed to the event's positive impact on tourism and its role in promoting cultural tolerance and exchange — core values that the UAE continues to champion on the global stage.
Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards Close the Championship
The final day of competition at Mubadala Arena will be followed by the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards ceremony, recognising outstanding athletes, academies, and federations from around the world. The awards reinforce the ADWPJJC's mission: not just to crown champions, but to build a global jiu-jitsu community rooted in excellence, cultural exchange, and shared aspiration.
The 16th edition confirms that Zayed Sports City and Abu Dhabi remain the heartbeat of international jiu-jitsu — a city where champions are made and dreams become reality.
