Combat sports fans, tighten those belts. The inaugural Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship took over ADNEC Centre Al Ain from 1 to 3 August 2025, bringing world-class mat action to the Garden City and adding another big date to the capital’s jiu-jitsu calendar.
The event was launched by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), with a clear goal: grow grappling as a global sport and put Al Ain on the map as a combat sports destination.
Who competed
Hundreds of athletes from more than 20 countries stepped onto the mats, from under-14 juniors and amateurs to seasoned professionals and 35-plus masters. Think Olympic-level discipline with the drama of a cup final, minus most of the trash talk.
What was at stake
- 2,000 AJP ranking points
- Cash prizes
- Bragging rights on the AJP Tour
How the three days ran
- Day 1: professional matches
- Day 2: youth and amateur divisions
- Day 3: finals and bronze medal bouts
Full brackets and podiums are on the AJP Tour results page.
Why Al Ain
Al Ain is better known for its oasis, zoo and mountain drive, but it has a strong local jiu-jitsu scene and a purpose-built venue in ADNEC Centre Al Ain. Saeed Al Dhaheri of DCT Abu Dhabi described grappling as one of the fastest-growing pillars of the capital’s sports calendar, alongside UFC Fight Nights and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship.
Venue and contact
ADNEC Centre Al Ain – exhibition and events venue in Al Ain, about 160km (roughly one hour 35 minutes’ drive) from Abu Dhabi Corniche. Contact: ADNEC Group, +971 2 444 6900. Event and registration info: ajptour.com
WOW Abu Dhabi Expert Tip: Watching rather than competing? Day three is the one to catch, with every final on the same day. Make a weekend of it: the mats wrap up by evening, which leaves time for a sunset drive up Jebel Hafeet or a morning at Al Ain Zoo.
Keep an eye on the AJP Tour calendar for the next edition, and on our outdoor things to do in Abu Dhabi guide for more weekend ideas.
More on this: Al Ain Zoo Joins WAZA: What the Global Membership Means for Visitors | Souq Al Wahat at Al Ain Oasis: Inside the Weekend Pop-Up Market
