Abu Dhabi is set to host the UAE’s first-ever international professional sumo tournament, with the All-Star Sumo Competition scheduled for September 26 at the Space42 Arena. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the event introduces one of Japan’s most storied athletic traditions to the capital, marking a significant milestone in the region’s sporting landscape.
The competition will feature nine elite rikishi hailing from Japan, Mongolia, and Egypt. These athletes bring extensive professional experience to the dohyo, collectively holding various world championship titles and Emperor’s Cup honors. The lineup includes notable competitors such as Japan’s Ichi, a winner of the prestigious Emperor’s Cup, and his compatriot Hiroki, who ranks among the sport’s largest active wrestlers. The international field is further bolstered by Mongolia’s Mendee, a junior and international world champion, and Egypt’s decorated competitor Ramy El-Gazar.
Spanning 36 individual bouts, the tournament is being coordinated in partnership with USA Sumo to ensure the highest professional standards and an authentic presentation of the sport. Beyond the physical matches, spectators will be treated to the full cultural spectacle of professional sumo, including the traditional ring-entering procession and the meticulous pre-bout rituals that define the sport’s centuries-old heritage.
Mohamad Yehya, General Manager of Space42 Arena, highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it serves as an exciting addition to the city’s sporting calendar. He emphasized that the tournament offers fans a unique opportunity to witness professional sumo up close and to engage with the distinct atmosphere and traditions that make the sport so globally recognized.
The event underscores the international evolution of sumo, showcasing how a sport deeply rooted in Japanese history has expanded its reach across the globe. By bringing together top-tier talent from three different nations, the competition aims to provide local audiences with a rare, immersive experience that transcends the action of the bouts themselves.
As the Space42 Arena prepares to install the traditional dohyo for the September 26 event, organizers are focused on delivering a high-caliber experience that honors the discipline and respect inherent in sumo. This historic gathering marks a new chapter for Abu Dhabi as it continues to diversify its international sporting offerings.
