The UAE national team, supported by the Mubadala Investment Company, maintained their impressive momentum at the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship, securing 13 medals during Tuesday’s Under-18 competition at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. This latest performance bolsters the host nation’s pursuit of a seventh consecutive world title.
Gold medals were claimed by Saif Al Baloushi in the Under-48kg division, Saif Al Ameri in the Under-62kg category, and Zayed Al Hosani in the Under-85kg class, all of whom delivered dominant displays on the mat. These results bring the UAE’s total medal count for the event to 52. Prior to the fourth day of action, the team had already accumulated 39 medals, comprising 12 from the Under-14 World Cup, 13 from the Under-21 World Championship, and 14 from the Under-16 competition.
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 participants from across the globe. Dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, alongside senior federation officials such as Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi.
In addition to the gold medalists, Zainab Al Mansoori (Under-70kg) and Abdullah Andeez (Under-69kg) earned silver medals for the hosts. The bronze medal haul featured 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).
Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, praised the U-18 athletes for their maturity and competitive focus, noting that their months of training translated into high-level performances. He emphasized that the category tests more than just technical skill, requiring athletes to maintain composure under pressure and adapt to diverse opponents. “Every bout gives us valuable insight into our athletes’ performances and helps us continue developing each athlete based on their individual strengths and areas for improvement,” Al Batran stated.
Reflecting on his victory, Saif Al Ameri highlighted the importance of the team’s preparation. “We spent three weeks in a training camp, working hard to improve our performances and learn from one another,” he said. After securing silver in his three previous world championship appearances, Al Ameri expressed his satisfaction with the gold. “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.”
The event also saw support from the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, with Secretary-General Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan attending alongside his staff. The delegation present at the arena included various federation board members, international representatives, and fellow national team athletes who gathered to support the competitors throughout the day’s medal ceremonies.
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.
The different ways our athletes reached the podium today show the depth and quality of the national team and give us a strong foundation to build on in the future.”
