Abu Dhabi ready for World Professional Jiu-Jitsu

Abu Dhabi - Action begins on Tuesday, April 6 with junior athletes (under-18 and under-21) taking to the mats at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena, followed by the masters category on April 7

The 12th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC), the largest and most prestigious event on the global jiu-jitsu calendar, will be held in adherence to the most stringent health and safety measures and a specially designed pathway for international athletes to maximise their wellbeing according to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the Championship’s organisers.

The ADWPJJC will be held at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in the UAE’s capital from April 6-9 and will see some of the best jiu-jitsu fighters from across the world compete over four days. The UAEJJF said that the tournament had received an overwhelming response with registration slots filling up rapidly and the world’s best athletes having their eyes firmly fixed on the road to glory.

The 12th edition of the ADWPJJC will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and will offer a total prize fund of Dh2.7 million.

The UAEJJF in close coordination with multiple government entities has put in place a comprehensive health and safety framework adhering to all local and federal health guidelines to ensure a safe and secure environment for hundreds of male and female, masters, and junior athletes from around the world to compete for glory at the ADWPJJC.

The Championship will be held behind closed doors to ensure the wellbeing of all participants. Athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, and all staff engaged in the smooth conduct of the tournament will undergo regular RT-PCR testing, social distancing norms will be in place at all times, and the wearing of masks will be mandatory.

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, vice-president of the UAEJJF, said that the UAEJJF was looking forward to welcoming back the global jiu-jitsu community to the capital of the sport after a challenging year. “Abu Dhabi has today become the unrivalled international home of jiu-jitsu and this standing brings with it a lot of responsibility. It is our commitment to ensure that the development of our beloved sport continues apace and with the direction of the UAE’s wise and visionary leadership, we are confident that the 12th edition of the ADWPJJC will be a tremendous success.”

Dr. Faisal Al Ahbabi, Director, Infectious Diseases Department, Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, said that close cooperation between the UAEJJF and his department had seen them draw up a far-reaching plan to maintain the highest standards of health and safety in the run-up to and during the ADWPJJC.

Action begins on Tuesday, April 6 with junior athletes (under-18 and under-21) taking to the mats at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena, followed by the masters category on April 7. The final two days of the competition are reserved for high-octane action in the professional division.