Al Ain to Host Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship This August

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) in collaboration with International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) is gearing up to host the first-ever Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship in 2025.

Slated for 1-3 August at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain, this event marks a significant milestone in the global combat sports arena.

It underscores Abu Dhabi's ambition to become a leading destination for major international sporting events.

In an effort to meet the growing worldwide interest in combat sports, the championship is set to welcome a diverse group of participants.

Competitors from more than 20 countries, spanning various skill levels from youths and amateurs to master class professionals, will compete over three days.

The event promises to be a showcase of high-level competition, further establishing the Al Ain Region as a top-tier venue for global combat sports.

Saeed AL Dhaheri, from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the emirate's emerging role as a central hub for significant global sporting events.

"As Abu Dhabi grows in prominence as a hub for major global sporting events, combat sports have emerged as an increasingly important pillar of our sport and entertainment vision for the emirate. Joining such IPs as Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC Fight Nights, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, we are proud to welcome the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship to our portfolio of leading events. We look forward to new audiences in Al Ain Region and across Abu Dhabi being introduced to this exciting and increasingly popular sport."

The Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship not only adds to the emirate's impressive portfolio of international sporting events but also aims to captivate new fans and participants in the sport of grappling.

The event's framework is designed to uphold the highest international competition standards, as part of the AJP Tour. It will feature various age divisions including U14, U16, U18, 18+, and 35+ across both amateur and professional categories.

The stakes are high with athletes vying for 2,000 ranking points and significant cash rewards, promising an event filled with intense competition and exceptional performances.

The championship commences with professional matches leading up to the semi-finals on the opening day, followed by youth and amateur contests on the second day.The event will culminate with the third-place playoffs and the eagerly anticipated finals.

The choice of Al Ain Region as the venue highlights its rising profile in Abu Dhabi's sports domain and underscores the commitment to enhancing sports tourism and supporting budding talent through premier academies and robust fan support from the GCC and MENA regions.

Prospective participants and spectators are encouraged to register early to secure their spot in this groundbreaking event.

Registrations are now open and will be accepted until July 28, 2025, through the official AJP Tour website.

Tareq Al Bahri of International Vision Sports Management stated, "We are proud to launch the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship, the first of its kind globally, in Al Ain Region, Abu Dhabi. This event underscores the UAE's leadership in hosting elite combat sports, offering a platform for athletes worldwide to excel. With the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, we aim to deliver unparalleled competition and establish a lasting legacy for grappling in the region."

This championship not only signifies Abu Dhabi's leading position in the international combat sports landscape but also illustrates the collaborative efforts to foster a lasting impact on the sport of grappling within the region.