The city of Al Ain is preparing to welcome the global combat sports community as it hosts the inaugural Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 from August 1 to 3. Organized by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and under the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) banner, the event is set to be a landmark in the world of grappling and mixed martial arts. Held at the state-of-the-art ADNEC Centre in Al Ain, the tournament marks a new chapter in Abu Dhabi’s commitment to becoming a global hub for high-profile sporting events.
A Strategic Move to Promote Combat Sports Tourism
This new initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision to integrate combat sports as a crucial pillar of its tourism and entertainment strategy. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of Destination Management at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the championship supports the emirate’s growing portfolio of international sporting events. Adding to prestigious events like UFC Fight Nights, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, the grappling championship signals a diversified expansion into various disciplines of combat sports.
By choosing Al Ain known as the UAE’s Garden City and rich in heritage and culture the championship not only promotes regional tourism but also brings the adrenaline and global spotlight to an emerging sports destination. This approach highlights Abu Dhabi’s innovative direction in extending sports excellence beyond the capital.
Why Grappling? Rising Popularity Meets Global Demand
Grappling is witnessing unprecedented global growth, becoming one of the fastest-evolving disciplines within martial arts. With roots in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and submission fighting, grappling has captured the imagination of athletes and fans worldwide due to its technique-intensive, strategy-driven nature. Abu Dhabi has already built a reputation as a leader in martial arts through the AJP Tour, and now aims to further cement its authority by creating a legacy in grappling with this new championship.
With this international recognition, the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship is expected to attract athletes, coaches, sponsors, and fans, contributing to the UAE’s sports economy while simultaneously encouraging grassroots development.
A Truly Global Competition in the Heart of UAE
More than 20 countries will be represented at the tournament, with hundreds of athletes both male and female competing in youth, amateur, master, and professional divisions. The event is designed to be inclusive, offering opportunities for everyone from emerging talents to seasoned champions to showcase their skills.
Age categories will range from U14, U16, and U18 to 18+ and 35+, with both amateur and professional brackets. The format ensures fair and competitive matchups, raising the level of performance and increasing international engagement.
Top-Notch Incentives and Ranking Points on Offer
To raise the stakes and attract top-tier talent, the competition offers 2,000 AJP ranking points to winners, in addition to substantial cash prizes. These incentives aim to bring in the best grapplers from around the globe, promising action-packed matches that will keep audiences thrilled.
The ranking system is especially crucial for those pursuing long-term goals in the AJP Tour and other international circuits, further anchoring Abu Dhabi as a strategic platform in professional martial arts development.
Three Days of High-Stakes Combat Sports Action
- The championship is structured to deliver a dynamic viewer experience over three days:
- Day One will focus on professional bouts up to the semi-finals, showcasing elite-level talent.
- Day Two will feature youth and amateur competitions, promoting community participation and skill-building.
- Day Three will conclude with third-place playoffs and high-stakes finals, ensuring a grand finale of the highest intensity.
This structured format not only highlights the development pipeline within the sport but also keeps audiences engaged across all age and skill levels.
Leadership in Organizing World-Class Combat Events
Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of IVSM, expressed pride in launching the championship and reinforcing the UAE’s global position as a leader in organizing combat sports. He remarked that this championship is a milestone for Al Ain and an extension of Abu Dhabi’s broader sports strategy.
With the full support of DCT Abu Dhabi and collaboration with AJP, the event is designed to meet the highest international standards from venue quality and athlete hospitality to judging and safety protocols. This level of organization ensures not just a competition, but a professionally enriching and culturally immersive experience for all participants.
Bringing the Global Grappling Community to the UAE
The Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship isn’t just about medals and rankings it’s about bringing together a global community of like-minded individuals who value discipline, respect, and perseverance. For many athletes, participating in a UAE-hosted championship also offers the chance to train with some of the best, explore cultural experiences, and contribute to international sports diplomacy.
As part of the AJP ecosystem, the championship acts as both a competitive arena and a networking platform, helping athletes and coaches form meaningful connections across continents.
Economic, Cultural, and Social Impact for Al Ain
Al Ain, often overshadowed by Abu Dhabi and Dubai, now gets a unique opportunity to shine on the international stage. The event will generate economic activity through hospitality, transport, and tourism, while also enhancing local pride. As a host city, Al Ain is set to benefit from increased visibility, branding as a sports destination, and greater engagement with global tourism channels.
Moreover, community outreach and youth engagement initiatives around the championship are expected to boost interest in martial arts, creating long-term benefits for physical education, sports culture, and career paths in the region.
Future Potential and Legacy Building for Grappling in the Region
The Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 is more than a three-day event. It is the start of a legacy project that aims to institutionalize grappling as a core component of the UAE’s sports ecosystem. Whether through training academies, school programs, or professional leagues, the championship will act as a catalyst for growth.
It is also a testament to the UAE’s ability to innovate and lead in international sports hosting. As combat sports evolve, so too does the country’s role in shaping their future. This makes the UAE not just a venue, but a visionary architect of modern martial arts.
Looking Ahead to August 2025
With the countdown to August already underway, the spotlight is firmly on Al Ain. As athletes train and organizers gear up, global anticipation continues to build. The Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship promises not only high-octane action but also an experience that merges sports, culture, and innovation in a uniquely Emirati way.
From infrastructure and investment to talent and tourism, the UAE continues to prove that when it hosts, the world watches.
