2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship Continues in Abu Dhabi Through August 9; UAE Team Secures 13 Medals on August 5 in Under-18 Competition

The 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship, organised by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, is underway at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, running until August 9, 2026, and bringing together more than 1,500 athletes from around the world. The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, continued its outstanding campaign at the championship, winning 13 medals in the Under-18 competition on Tuesday, August 5, at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. Leading the day's medal haul were Saif Al Baloushi (Under-48kg), Saif Al Ameri (Under-62kg) and Zayed Al Hosani (Under-85kg), who captured gold in their respective weight categories after taking out commanding performances. The 13-medal haul brings the UAE's total to 52 medals across youth categories as the team continues its bid for a seventh consecutive JJIF World Championship title. The youth competitions conclude on Wednesday, August 5, before the championship moves on to the Adult and Para Jiu-Jitsu divisions from August 6 to 9. The event, 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, cements the UAE as a global leader in jiu-jitsu and a centre for hosting world-class international sporting events. The Ju-Jitsu World Championship features masters, adult and youth categories, including under-14s, under-16s, under-18s and under-21s, showcasing Abu Dhabi's commitment to developing talent at every stage of life. The UAE delegation features one of its largest and deepest squads to date, with 114 athletes competing across every major age category. The UAE enters the prestigious tournament seeking an unprecedented seventh consecutive JJIF World Championship title, extending one of the most dominant dynasties in international jiu-jitsu. Backed by home support and years of investment in athlete development, the national team arrives with confidence after