emirates7 - International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) has revealed that the first-ever Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship will take place from August 1 to 3, 2025, at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. Organized in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), the event is designed to meet the growing global interest in combat sports—particularly grappling, one of the fastest-expanding disciplines worldwide.
The championship is set to attract hundreds of male and female athletes representing over 20 nations, with divisions for all levels and age groups, ranging from youth and amateurs to seasoned professionals and masters. Over the course of three dynamic days, the competition will highlight top-tier talent, strengthening Al Ain Region’s position as a premier destination for elite combat sports.
Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of the Destination Management Department at DCT Abu Dhabi, noted that combat sports are becoming a vital component of the emirate’s sports and entertainment strategy. “With Abu Dhabi gaining recognition as a host for major global sporting events, we are pleased to add the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship to our prestigious lineup, which includes Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC Fight Nights, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships. We look forward to expanding our reach and introducing this exciting sport to wider audiences across Al Ain and the rest of the emirate.”
Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of IVSM, emphasized the event’s significance: “We’re honored to launch the world’s first Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship right here in Al Ain. This initiative highlights the UAE’s leadership in the combat sports arena and provides a high-caliber platform for international athletes to compete.”
As an official stop on the AJP Tour, the event will follow the strictest international standards. Open to participants of all nationalities, the competition includes age categories such as U14, U16, U18, 18+, and 35+, for both amateurs and professionals. Champions will receive 2,000 ranking points and generous cash prizes, ensuring high levels of competition.
The tournament will kick off with professional matches up to the semi-finals on the first day, continue with youth and amateur bouts on the second day, and wrap up with the finals and third-place matches on the final day.
Selecting Al Ain Region as the host venue reflects its rising significance in Abu Dhabi’s sports landscape. The championship supports the emirate’s broader vision of promoting sports tourism, developing young talent, and leveraging the strong network of academies and passionate fans across the GCC and MENA regions.
The championship is set to attract hundreds of male and female athletes representing over 20 nations, with divisions for all levels and age groups, ranging from youth and amateurs to seasoned professionals and masters. Over the course of three dynamic days, the competition will highlight top-tier talent, strengthening Al Ain Region’s position as a premier destination for elite combat sports.
Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of the Destination Management Department at DCT Abu Dhabi, noted that combat sports are becoming a vital component of the emirate’s sports and entertainment strategy. “With Abu Dhabi gaining recognition as a host for major global sporting events, we are pleased to add the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship to our prestigious lineup, which includes Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC Fight Nights, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships. We look forward to expanding our reach and introducing this exciting sport to wider audiences across Al Ain and the rest of the emirate.”
Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of IVSM, emphasized the event’s significance: “We’re honored to launch the world’s first Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship right here in Al Ain. This initiative highlights the UAE’s leadership in the combat sports arena and provides a high-caliber platform for international athletes to compete.”
As an official stop on the AJP Tour, the event will follow the strictest international standards. Open to participants of all nationalities, the competition includes age categories such as U14, U16, U18, 18+, and 35+, for both amateurs and professionals. Champions will receive 2,000 ranking points and generous cash prizes, ensuring high levels of competition.
The tournament will kick off with professional matches up to the semi-finals on the first day, continue with youth and amateur bouts on the second day, and wrap up with the finals and third-place matches on the final day.
Selecting Al Ain Region as the host venue reflects its rising significance in Abu Dhabi’s sports landscape. The championship supports the emirate’s broader vision of promoting sports tourism, developing young talent, and leveraging the strong network of academies and passionate fans across the GCC and MENA regions.