Abu Dhabi to host climactic final round of prestigious Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
The eighth and concluding round of the third season of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship will unfold at Mubadala Arena from 16 to 18 October 2026, with the championship's Gi title and season honours to be decided across a closely contested field of competitors.
The final round of the 3rd Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship represents the culmination of an extraordinary season of competition, bringing together athletes across all age groups and weight categories to determine the Gi champions and recognise the season’s outstanding performers. The event will showcase male and female competitors in categories ranging from Under-12 through to Masters, with the tournament structure spanning three days of intensive competition.
Throughout its third season, the championship has demonstrated its significance as a catalyst for athletic development and talent identification within the UAE. By providing regular competitive opportunities, the championship has enabled clubs and academies to measure their progress with precision whilst simultaneously preparing promising athletes for representation at continental and international levels. The comprehensive nature of the competition, encompassing diverse age groups and experience levels, creates an environment where discipline, technical excellence and teamwork flourish.
A closely contested title race
Heading into the final round, Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club commands the overall Gi standings, with Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club and Palms Sports – Team 777 pursuing closely behind. The competitive balance across the season demonstrates the rising standard of jiu-jitsu throughout the UAE, with every result in the concluding round holding the potential to influence the final standings. The championship’s format, whereby athletes across all categories contribute points towards their teams’ totals, creates an atmosphere of collective endeavour and shared purpose.
Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, observed that the final round represents “the culmination of a full season of hard work, consistent training and careful preparation by clubs and academies.” He emphasised that the championship’s structure provides athletes with regular opportunities to refine their capabilities whilst operating under competitive pressure, an experience invaluable for those aspiring to excel at elevated levels of competition.
Voices from the competitors
Young athletes competing in the final round exemplify the championship’s impact on emerging talent. Khaled Alkatheeri of Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club, competing in the Under-16 category, expressed his commitment to his teammates and club, noting that consistent training and familial support have fortified his development. “In every match, I have a responsibility to my club and teammates,” he reflected.
Alyazia Alshamsi, an Under-18 competitor representing Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, credited the championship with enhancing her technical confidence, whilst Zayed Ali Alteneiji of Palms Sports – Team 777, competing in the Under-14 category, demonstrated the reflective approach to improvement that characterises contemporary athletes, analysing his performance following each round to identify areas for refinement.
The competition schedule
The tournament’s structure unfolds systematically across three days. The opening day features Under-18, Adults and Masters categories in both male and female Gi divisions. The second day accommodates children’s competitions, whilst the third day hosts the Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 categories, ensuring comprehensive representation throughout the age spectrum.
Beyond its role in identifying and developing athletic talent, the championship embodies the UAE’s sustained commitment to fostering sport as a vehicle for personal development and national pride. In alignment with the Year of the Family 2026 celebrations, the event underscores the integral role families play in supporting emerging athletes, with parental attendance and encouragement representing a cornerstone of the competitive experience.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office