The United Arab Emirates national team, supported by the Mubadala Investment Company, maintained its momentum at the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship on Tuesday. Competing at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, the host nation secured 13 medals within the Under-18 category, further bolstering their pursuit of a seventh consecutive world title.
The gold medal haul was led by Saif Al Baloushi in the Under-48kg division, Saif Al Ameri in the Under-62kg class, and Zayed Al Hosani in the Under-85kg weight category, all of whom delivered dominant performances to reach the top of the podium. These results contributed to a significant overall tally of 52 medals for the UAE, following a strong start that included 39 medals secured during the first three days of the tournament. This previous count comprised 12 medals from the Under-14 World Cup, 13 from the Under-21 World Championship, and 14 from the Under-16 competition.
Additional success came from Zainab Al Mansoori (Under-70kg) and Abdullah Andeez (Under-69kg), who both earned silver medals. The bronze medalists for the day included Shamma Al Mansoori (Under-40kg), Haneen Al Khouri (Under-57kg), Taif Al Hammadi (Under-63kg), Khaled Al Ghaithi (Under-52kg), Hamed Al Maskari (Under-62kg), Moza Al Ali (Under-48kg), Hazza Al Kaabi (Under-56kg), and Ali Al Najar (Under-56kg).
The event, which runs until August 9, is hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and organized by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation. It has drawn over 1,500 athletes from across the globe. The day’s proceedings were attended by several high-profile officials, including Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. Also present were Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, alongside various board members and federation representatives who participated in the medal ceremonies.
Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, praised the Under-18 squad for their maturity and competitive mindset. He noted that the category requires more than just technical skill, emphasizing that athletes must remain calm under pressure and adapt to diverse fighting styles. “Every bout gives us valuable insight into our athletes,” Al Batran stated, adding that these performances provide a solid foundation for future development.
Reflecting on his gold medal victory, Saif Al Ameri shared that his success followed a rigorous three-week training camp. Having previously earned silver at the World Championship three times, he expressed that securing the top spot on home soil was particularly meaningful. “This year, thanks to hard work and perseverance, I finally won gold. Winning it here in the UAE, in front of our home fans, makes it even more special,” he said.
The delegation present at the arena included Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, who was accompanied by several officials from the Authority. The event continues to highlight the depth of the UAE’s talent pool as the championship progresses toward its final stages.
Bronze medals were won by Shamma Al Mansoori (under 40kg), Haneen Al Khouri (under 57kg), Taif Al Hammadi (under 63kg), Khaled Al Ghaithi (under 52kg), Hamed Al Maskari (under 62 kg), Moza Al Ali (under 48kg), Hazza Al K
He said: “The Under-18 category is about much more than technical ability.
Bronze medals were won by Shamma Al Mansoori (under 40kg), Haneen Al Khouri (under 57kg), Taif Al Hammadi (under 63kg), Khaled Al Ghaithi (under 52kg), Hamed Al Maskari (under 62 kg), Moza Al Ali (under 48kg), Hazza Al Kaabi (under 56kg), and Ali Al Najar (under 56kg).
Athletes need to make quick decisions, stay calm under pressure and adapt to different opponents and situations.
Our athletes did exactly that today and showed great awareness throughout their bouts, finding the right solutions against competitors with different styles and strengths.
