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The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has unveiled an ambitious calendar for the 2026 sporting season, featuring more than 30 local and international championships. The announcement, made in Abu Dhabi on January 26, 2026, outlines a comprehensive jiu-jitsu tournament schedule designed to enhance competition quality and strengthen technical and organizational sustainability across both disciplines.
The agenda includes several major events, most notably the 18th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship scheduled for November 2026. Additionally, the calendar features the World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship, the Youth MMA World Championship, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu tour, alongside numerous local competitions aimed at building champions and discovering talent.
Local Jiu-Jitsu Tournament Schedule Expands Participation
The domestic calendar begins in January with the Um Al Emarat Jiu-Jitsu Cup, according to the federation’s official announcement. February will feature the Nad Al Sheba Ramadan Tournament, while March marks the first round of the UAE President’s Cup for Jiu-Jitsu.
In May, organizers will host the Vice President’s Cup for Jiu-Jitsu alongside the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. The third edition of the Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship holds particular significance in the 2026 calendar, building on the success of its previous two editions.
Championship Series Features Multiple Competition Rounds
The Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Championship will unfold across eight rounds throughout the year, with five rounds in gi competition and three in no-gi format. This structure aims to enhance athlete readiness, support club development, and facilitate talent identification for continental and international competitions.
Meanwhile, the 18th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship stands as the premier event of the 2026 jiu-jitsu tournament schedule. The November competition will attract elite jiu-jitsu practitioners from around the globe, according to the federation.
Abu Dhabi Hosts International Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Abu Dhabi will host the World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 2026, welcoming elite young athletes from across the world. The event represents a significant milestone on the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation (JJIF) calendar, contributing to talent development, cultural exchange, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for major international championships.
The Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) tournaments occupy an important place in the 2026 agenda, enhancing competitiveness at all levels. These events provide athletes opportunities to accumulate ranking points and advance in the official world rankings.
The AJP season includes the Abu Dhabi International Pro in January, the UAE National Pro in June, and the Asian Continental Pro in September. These competitions serve as key fixtures in the local and international competition calendar hosted by the Emirates.
Mixed Martial Arts Calendar Features Five National Championships
On the mixed martial arts front, the 2026 season includes five rounds of the UAE National MMA Championship. The federation will organize these events in January, February, April, August, and December to develop the athlete base and provide a comprehensive competitive pathway toward professionalism.
The UAE will host the MMA World Championship for the fifth consecutive year in August, reflecting the country’s leadership position internationally. This significant global event brings together elite fighters from various nations, according to the announcement.
External participation features prominently in the 2026 calendar, with national teams competing in several major continental and world championships. These include the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Saudi Arabia, the Asian Games in Japan, and the Beach Games in China.
Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized that the 2026 agenda reflects the federation’s long-term vision. He stated that the calendar represents a strategic milestone combining local championships that build champions with international participations targeting continued achievements and hosting world-class events.
The federation has not announced specific dates for all championship events, though the comprehensive calendar is expected to be finalized in the coming months as organizational preparations advance.
