UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation announces three major Ramadan championships in Al Ain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Competitions to take place between 20 February and 5 March
ABU DHABI – The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has confirmed a calendar of three championships during the holy month of Ramadan, further cementing the sport’s prominent position within the national sporting landscape.
The programme reflects the Federation’s ongoing efforts to maintain competitive momentum while strengthening community engagement across the Emirates.
With events spanning Al Ain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Ramadan schedule underscores the continued expansion of jiu-jitsu at both grassroots and elite levels, bringing together athletes of all age groups in high-profile competitions.
Ramadan schedule
The programme opens on 20 February with jiu-jitsu competitions held as part of the Hafeet Sport Challenge at Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in Al Qattara. The event sets the tone for a packed fortnight of activity during Ramadan.
This will be followed by the NAS Sports Tournament 2026 on 24–25 February at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex in Dubai, one of the country’s most established Ramadan sporting platforms.
The series concludes with the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ramadan Tournament, staged from 3–5 March as part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Festival
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ramadan Tournament carries particular national significance as a component of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, one of the UAE’s leading heritage and cultural celebrations. The championship provides a competitive arena that brings together leading club and academy athletes while aligning sport with national identity and tradition.
The setting reinforces the integration of jiu-jitsu into the wider cultural fabric of the UAE, where sporting excellence intersects with heritage-driven events that draw strong public engagement.
Designed as a family-oriented championship, the tournament offers a supportive environment in which parents and families gather to celebrate the achievements of young competitors. The format continues to highlight jiu-jitsu’s reputation as a unifying sport with deep community roots.
Broad participation
The Hafeet Sport Challenge and NAS Sports Tournament complement the Federation’s broader strategy to expand participation across the Emirates. Both events encourage youth involvement and contribute to the sustained development of grassroots pathways.
Participation levels across Ramadan competitions have consistently reflected the sport’s growth trajectory in the UAE. Jiu-jitsu has become a regular feature of Ramadan sporting calendars nationwide, attracting competitors from various clubs and academies while maintaining high organisational standards.
Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said organising three championships during Ramadan demonstrates the continued progress of the sport and the Federation’s success in embedding it within society.
He noted that the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ramadan Tournament holds special national importance as part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, providing a platform that connects competitive sport with cultural heritage and community values.