The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team strengthened its medal haul at the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship by winning three gold and two silver medals in the Adult men’s competition at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
The latest results took the UAE’s overall medal tally at the championship to 62, with the tournament continuing until Aug. 9. More than 1,500 athletes from around the world are taking part in the event, which is hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and organised by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation.
The Emirati athletes competed in the Under-56kg, Under-62kg, Under-69kg and Under-77kg divisions, producing several strong performances.
Two all-UAE finals provided the main highlights of the day. Rashid Al-Shehhi won the Under-56kg gold medal, while teammate Omar Al-Suwaidi secured silver. In the Under-62kg division, Mohammed Al-Ketbi claimed the title and Khaled Al-Shehhi finished with silver.
Omar Al-Fadhli completed the UAE’s three-gold medal haul by winning the Under-69kg division after a series of difficult contests against international opponents.
Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union, praised the national team’s depth after two UAE athletes met in each of the Under-56kg and Under-62kg finals.
He said having multiple athletes capable of reaching the final in the same weight category demonstrated the strength of the national programme and created healthy competition within the team.
Al-Shamsi also highlighted the demanding nature of the lighter weight divisions, where matches are often decided by small margins. He said the UAE athletes maintained control and composure under pressure during Friday’s contests.
Al-Fadhli said he was pleased with his gold medal after facing several strong international competitors. He credited the UAE federation, coaches, training camps and preparation programmes for helping the athletes reach the required level for major international competitions.
Al-Ketbi also praised the quality of the national team after facing fellow Emirati Khaled Al-Shehhi in the Under-62kg final. He said reaching an all-UAE final reflected the progress made by the country’s athletes.
The UAE team will return to action on Saturday, with its Adult men competing in the Under-85kg, Under-94kg and over-94kg divisions.
The national team will be aiming to add to its 62-medal total before the championship concludes on Aug. 9.
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