Abu Dhabi, 2 April: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has made a strong start to 2026, further reinforcing the country’s reputation as the world capital for jiu-jitsu and MMA with the organisation of seven major championships during the first quarter of the year. The events brought together thousands of athletes across various age groups, alongside initiatives aimed at supporting the long-term growth of the sport and strengthening community engagement, in line with the Year of the Family.
The year opened with the sixth edition of the UAE National MMA Championship in Al Ain, which provided an important platform to identify emerging talent and support athlete development. This was followed by the seventh edition in Dubai, where strong participation and a high level of competition reflected the continued growth of the sport and its expanding base.
The first round of the third edition of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship (No-Gi) was also held in Dubai, marking an important early milestone in the season. The event supported competition between clubs and academies and helped assess athlete readiness through a structured ranking and points system that continues to raise performance standards.
Women’s jiu-jitsu also saw strong participation through the Mother of the Nation Jiu-Jitsu Cup, which featured prize money of AED 270,000. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club claimed first place, followed by Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in second and Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club in third, in an event that also drew strong crowd attendance and family engagement.
As part of its community-focused initiatives, the Federation introduced the ‘Supporting Family Award’ within the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, recognising the role of families in supporting athletes and encouraging their continued development. Introduced for the first time this year, the initiative highlights the sport’s wider social impact and its role in promoting values such as discipline, confidence, patience and resilience among young athletes.
Another highlight of the first quarter was the jiu-jitsu competitions held as part of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 at Mubadala Arena, featuring athletes aged 30 and above, underlining the sport’s role in promoting an active and healthy lifestyle across all age groups.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Hafeet Sports Challenge featured jiu-jitsu competitions with strong participation from clubs and academies. Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club secured first place, followed by Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club in second and Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club in third, in contests that reflected the steady rise in both participation and performance levels.
Also during Ramadan, the NAS Sports Tournament 2026 showcased high-level jiu-jitsu competition, with closely contested bouts highlighting the readiness of athletes and clubs for upcoming events.
Baniyas Club finished first in the Adults category, followed by Al Ain Club in second and MOD Academy in third.
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Ramadan Championship – Al Wathba 2026 further strengthened the sport’s presence during Ramadan, attracting participants across different age groups and maintaining strong momentum throughout the month.
These results highlight the continued growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE, with rising participation, improved performance levels and stronger community engagement. They also reflect the Federation’s ongoing efforts to build a well-structured sports system that supports athlete development and prepares competitors to represent the UAE at regional and international levels.
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E. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “The results of the first quarter of 2026 reflect the ongoing work to develop jiu-jitsu and MMA in the UAE. Our championships continue to provide key platforms to improve athlete performance and readiness.
“Organising seven championships in a short period, with thousands of participants, shows the growth of the sport and the important role of clubs and academies. We are also seeing increased family presence across events, which strengthens the sport’s connection with the community.
“We will continue to develop our programmes and championships to support the next phase of growth and further strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading global destination for jiu-jitsu and MMA.”