Over 9,000 athletes from 137 countries set to take part in tournament from Nov. 6-16 ABU DHABI: The 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, from Nov. 6 to 16 at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, is expected to have a record 9,000 athletes from 137 countries taking part. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Participants will have the opportunity to earn points toward the prestigious Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards. During a press conference on Monday at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, details of this year’s championship were revealed. Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed Alhashmi, chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, president of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and senior vice president of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, thanked the UAE leadership for supporting the event. “This championship unites the world’s best talent to showcase their skills and elevate their global rankings, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a global jiu-jitsu hub,” he said. He also thanked the event’s partners and sponsors. “Their support has been vital in helping us achieve this level of global leadership in jiu-jitsu. “As we celebrate another world-class edition, we hope to continue to inspire new generations to pursue excellence and embrace the core values that make our sport so impactful.” Saud Abdulaziz Al-Hosani, undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, commented: “Since the inception of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, jiu-jitsu has flourished in the UAE and around the world. “Thanks to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s efforts and our wise leadership support, Abu Dhabi has become a global sports hub and the world’s jiu-jitsu capital. We look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from 137 countries.” Aref Hamad Al-Awani, secretary-general of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized the championship’s role in reinforcing the city’s standing in the global sports arena. “This championship solidifies Abu Dhabi’s track record in hosting world-class events, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council stands ready to provide every support needed to achieve our shared goals.” This year’s championship will feature an extended schedule, additional mats, and increased capacity to accommodate more athletes across various categories. The event culminates in the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, which honors the year’s standout athletes, academies and federations. Other officials and sponsor representatives who attended the press conference included Ahmed Abdullah Al-Qubaisi, executive director of the Support Services Sector; Yaqoub Al-Saadi, head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels; and Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Also in attendance were Saed Hijazi Salama, general manager of sales at Premier Motors; Futoon Al-Mazrouei, group head of consumer banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank; and Mona Hassan Sadoun, vice president of customer service and marketing at Al-Tayer Motors.