🥇 1. Introduction: A New Chapter in UAE Combat Sports

In a monumental leap for the combat sports scene in the UAE, the first-ever Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship is set to take place in Al Ain this August 2025. As the capital of Jiu-Jitsu continues its mission to dominate the global martial arts stage, this Grappling Championship serves as a historic expansion of the country’s influence.

Al Ain, often known as the “Garden City” of the Emirates, will serve as the perfect setting for this landmark event, uniting athletes, fans, and industry professionals under one roof to celebrate the art and intensity of grappling. With top-tier global athletes and regional talent expected to take part, the Grappling Championship is poised to become an annual highlight on the international martial arts calendar.

📅 2. Event Details: Dates, Location, and Schedule

Here are the confirmed details for the Grappling Championship:

Detail	Information
🗓️ Dates	August 16–18, 2025
📍 Venue	Al Ain Convention Center, Al Ain, UAE
⏰ Timings	10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
🎫 Entry	Open to the public – free general access
💻 Live Broadcast	UAEJJF TV and Abu Dhabi Sports Channel

The Abu Dhabi Grappling Championship will span over three action-packed days, featuring men’s, women’s, and youth categories.

🌍 3. Why Al Ain? The Cultural and Strategic Significance

Choosing Al Ain as the host for the Grappling Championship is no coincidence. This historic oasis city, known for its deep cultural roots and serene landscapes, has been quietly transforming into a sports hub.

✅ Strategic Location – Nestled between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Al Ain offers accessibility to participants from across the UAE and the GCC region.

✅ Cultural Heritage – Hosting an international event in a UNESCO World Heritage site highlights the UAE’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation.

✅ Growing Sports Infrastructure – Recent investments in venues and training facilities make Al Ain a natural choice for large-scale sporting events.

🧭 4. About the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship

The Grappling Championship is being organized under the patronage of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) in collaboration with the International Grappling Federation (IGF). This international-level competition will bring together elite athletes from over 40 countries to compete in various grappling disciplines, including:

No-Gi Grappling
Gi Grappling
Submission Wrestling
Combat Grappling

With meticulous rules and categorization in line with international standards, the Grappling Championship promises not only fierce competition but also high entertainment value for spectators.

🌟 5. Highlights to Expect at the Championship

Here are some of the exciting features lined up for the Grappling Championship in Al Ain:

5.1 🥋 Elite Global Fighters

Top-tier athletes from Brazil, Russia, the USA, Kazakhstan, and more will showcase their grappling expertise in head-to-head battles.

5.2 🧒 Youth Division Debuts

Youth fighters (ages 12–17) will make their debut on the global grappling stage, nurturing future champions of the sport.

5.3 🎉 Cultural Showcases

Between matches, audiences will enjoy traditional Emirati dance performances, musical interludes, and local cuisine stalls.

5.4 🛍️ Merch and Gear Expo

A dedicated arena will feature the latest grappling gear, accessories, and nutritional products from global brands.

5.5 🎥 Live Commentary and Analysis

Experts will break down techniques and strategies live on UAEJJF TV, enhancing the spectator experience.

🥈 6. Athletes and Nations Participating

This Grappling Championship is set to be truly global, with over 400 athletes from more than 40 countries expected. Confirmed participants include:

Country	Notable Athletes
🇧🇷 Brazil	João Mendes, Lucas Silva
🇺🇸 USA	Emily Johnson, Mike Daniels
🇷🇺 Russia	Dmitry Sokolov, Ivan Orlov
🇦🇪 UAE	Rashid Al Hammadi, Fatima Al Shehhi
🇯🇵 Japan	Takashi Inoue, Yuki Harada

Local fighters will represent the UAE’s strong and growing presence in international grappling circles, especially under the UAEJJF’s athlete development programs.

📈 7. The Rise of Grappling in the UAE

The Grappling Championship marks the culmination of a broader movement within the UAE to promote and elevate grappling sports.

7.1 👊 School & Youth Programs

The UAEJJF has introduced grappling into public schools and academies, aiming to train a new generation of champions.

7.2 🏛️ Government Backing

Events like this Grappling Championship receive strong institutional support from entities such as the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the General Authority of Sports.

7.3 🏅 Global Recognition

Abu Dhabi has already hosted record-breaking Jiu-Jitsu championships. The addition of grappling strengthens its status as the global capital of combat sports.

💼 8. Organizer Profiles

🇦🇪 UAEJJF (UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation)

The UAEJJF is spearheading the Grappling Championship as part of its mission to diversify combat sports in the UAE.

🌐 IGF (International Grappling Federation)

Partnering with the UAEJJF, the IGF brings legitimacy and a structured rule system to ensure global standards are met.

Together, they aim to develop this Grappling Championship into one of the most respected martial arts competitions in the world.

🛡️ 9. Rules, Divisions, and Weight Classes

The Grappling Championship will follow IGF regulations across different categories:

Division	Weight Classes (Men)	Weight Classes (Women)
Youth (12–17)	-50kg, -60kg, -70kg	-45kg, -55kg, -65kg
Adult (18–35)	-60kg, -70kg, -80kg, Open	-50kg, -60kg, -70kg, Open
Masters (35+)	Same as Adult	Same as Adult

Strict no-strike rules apply in No-Gi and Gi grappling divisions, while Combat Grappling allows limited striking under safe protocols.

🎟️ 10. How to Attend or Watch Online

🧾 On-site Attendance

Spectators can register online via www.uaejjf.com for free entry passes. VIP access tickets with seating and hospitality perks are also available.

📱 Online Streaming

Catch all the Grappling Championship action on:

UAEJJF TV (Official Site)
Abu Dhabi Sports TV
YouTube Live Broadcast (IGF Channel)

📣 11. Sponsorship and Partner Brands

Key sponsors and partners for this Grappling Championship include:

Emirates Airlines (Official Travel Partner)
Al Ain Municipality (Venue & City Partner)
Red Bull (Official Energy Drink)
Tatami Fightwear (Official Gear Sponsor)
Etisalat by e& (Connectivity Partner)

These collaborations not only fund the championship but also highlight the importance of corporate involvement in UAE sports.

🧠 12. Workshops and Fan Engagement Events

Beyond competition, the Grappling Championship includes interactive experiences:

Technique Clinics with elite fighters
Fan Q&A Sessions featuring medalists
Meet & Greets with coaches and influencers
Photo Zones and VR grappling simulations

📊 13. Economic & Tourism Impact on Al Ain

The city of Al Ain is expected to benefit significantly:

🏨 Surge in hotel bookings
🍽️ Boost for local restaurants and cafes
🚍 Increased use of transport and tour operators
🎯 Global visibility for cultural attractions like Al Ain Zoo and Jebel Hafeet

The Grappling Championship contributes to the UAE’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a year-round destination for international sports tourism.

🔮 14. What This Championship Means for the Future

The successful execution of this Grappling Championship sets the stage for:

📍 Annual Editions with larger scale and international bids
🥇 Olympic Recognition in future combat sports categories
📚 Educational Partnerships with universities for sports science
🤝 Grappling Clubs emerging across the Emirates

It’s not just an event—it’s a movement.

🧾 15. Summary: Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

The Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship is not just another sports event. It is a symbol of the UAE’s commitment to martial arts excellence, athletic inclusion, and global sports leadership. Whether you’re a fan, athlete, coach, or first-time spectator, this Grappling Championship offers something for everyone.

Don’t miss history in the making this August in Al Ain.

🔗 External Links

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First-Ever Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship in Al Ain this August 2025 – Full Guide