Abu dhabi: The Organising Committee for the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship has approved the operational framework for the event, scheduled to take place at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi from 1st to 9th August. Organised by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, the championship is set to welcome thousands of athletes, officials, and delegates from across the globe.
According to Emirates News Agency, the committee convened at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi to assess progress across all operational domains and affirm the plans required to deliver the championship to the highest standards in terms of organisation, technical execution, and logistics. This event underscores Abu Dhabi's status as a premier destination for jiu-jitsu and highlights the UAE's ongoing investment in hosting significant international sporting events.
Present at the meeting were Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the Organising Committee; Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; committee member Tareq Al Bahri; and Konstantin Pavlenko, representing the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation. Representatives responsible for finance, logistics, and technical operations also attended, alongside members of the OSS volunteer team.
Committee members examined progress in marketing, branding, venue preparations, logistics, accommodation, transportation, medical services, and the championship's overall operational strategy. Responsibilities and timelines for implementation were confirmed to ensure that preparations remain on track in the lead-up to the event.
Current estimates suggest approximately 2,500 athletes will participate, while operational plans are prepared to accommodate up to 3,000 participants, allowing for additional athletes, coaches, referees, or officials to register as the championship approaches.
The committee also discussed services impacting the experience of participating delegations, such as medical support, accreditation, reception for athletes and referees, and transportation between the airport, hotels, and the competition venue. The OSS volunteer team will manage a dedicated welcome programme for arriving delegations at airports and official hotels.
The committee reaffirmed the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation's role in overseeing logistics and media operations, ensuring a consistent presentation of the event and showcasing the UAE's organisational prowess to the international sporting community.
Al Batran stated, "The 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship reflects the UAE leadership's long-term commitment to supporting sport and developing athletes. The vision has positioned the UAE, and Abu Dhabi specifically, as a global hub for jiu-jitsu and a prime location for hosting the sport's major international events. This championship represents the confidence the international jiu-jitsu community has in the UAE and its proven organisational capabilities."
He further elaborated that the organising committee is executing a clear operational plan, with each requirement translated into specific actions, defined responsibilities, and delivery timelines. The committee oversees every aspect of the championship, from finance, logistics, and technical operations to accommodation, transportation, medical services, visual identity, anti-doping, and delegation services.
Al Batran also noted that Abu Dhabi's experience in hosting world-class jiu-jitsu events provides a robust foundation for building the upcoming championship, while also creating an obligation to continue enhancing organisational standards. "Our goal is to deliver a championship that reflects the UAE's reputation for excellence, meets the highest standards of professionalism, and provides an outstanding experience for every participant from arrival to departure," he said.