The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) will return to the Mubadala Arena at Zayed Sports City from April 11-18.

The 12th edition of the ADWPJJC will see thousands of athletes descend on the UAE capital for jiu-jitsu’s flagship, season-ending event.

More than 100 nationalities will be represented at the ADWPJJC, which is organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF).

“The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) has been a constant beacon of excellence, world-class organisation, and is the global meeting point for the sport’s biggest names,” said Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice-Chairman of the UAEJJF.

“Under the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the ADWPJJC has evolved into the premier event on the world’s jiu-jitsu calendar and the upcoming 12th edition will raise the bar even further.”

UAE athletes won 52 medals in 2019 and there is expectation that figure will rise this time around. The UAE has invested significant funds into the sport of jiu-jitsu and there are now more than 120,000 amateur and professional players in the emirates.

The Jiu Jitsu International Federation’s (JJIF) headquarters is now located in Abu Dhabi and His Excellency Abdulmunem Alsayed M. Al Hashmi, the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union president, sits on the JJIF board alongside fellow Emirati and UAE Jiu-JitsuFederation CEO, Fahad Al Shamsi.

The 2020 ADWPJJC will also see the launch of the UAE’s ‘Nation of Heroes’ campaign, with Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, CEO of the UAEJJF, adding:

“This initiative will recognise the contributions of people of all ages in growing the sport in the UAE and propelling the country on to the world’s sporting map.

“Furthermore, we will also be looking to honour jiu-jitsu heroes from around the world, athletes, officials, spectators who have shown great determination, sacrifice and dedicated for jiu-jitsu.”