Mohammed bin Thaaloob Al Darei, president of the UAE Judo Federation and chairman of the higher organising committee, confirmed that comprehensive organisational measures are now in place for the championship, which takes place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Al Darei noted that the patronage extended to previous editions had contributed significantly to the event’s success and drawn praise from International Judo Federation officials as well as participating nations. The federation has established all technical and organisational committees while ensuring logistical support for the arrival of national teams from around the world.
The competition, supervised by the International Judo Federation, will unfold at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City over three days and carries added importance as it forms part of the qualification pathway toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. A total of 417 judokas from 61 countries have registered, according to federation updates, marking a substantial international field that builds on the event’s history since its inception in 2009. Organisers have also arranged accompanying programmes for delegations that include visits to the Hudayriyat and Saadiyat islands to showcase Abu Dhabi’s cultural and tourist attractions.
Prize money for the tournament totals 154,000 euros, with gold medalists receiving 5,000 euros, silver medalists 3,000 euros and bronze medalists 1,500 euros each, a standard distribution for IJF Grand Slam events that has remained consistent in recent cycles. International Judo Federation records from the 2024 edition of the same tournament listed 219 competitors from 29 nations, while the 2019 staging drew 551 athletes from 95 countries, illustrating the event’s fluctuating but enduring draw on the world circuit. The 2026 edition coincides with the 16-year milestone since the championship’s launch.
UAE national team members returned on October 18 from a training camp in Georgia that featured 75 international bouts against Georgian senior and Olympic squads, the federation reported. The squad comprises 14 athletes who will compete in various weight categories, entering the event with momentum from a gold and a silver medal secured at the 2026 World Championships in Baku where the team also finished fifth overall in the standings. Al Darei described the Grand Slam as an important platform that allows the UAE squad to measure itself against global elites while accumulating ranking points.
The championship follows the recent world championships in Baku and is viewed by organisers as a key stop on the IJF World Tour calendar that attracts top-ranked competitors. Federation data indicate growing registrations through the IJF’s official portal, reflecting heightened interest among national teams. Al Darei added that the event serves to promote international cooperation and cultural exchange through sport while supporting the continued development of judo in the region.
All accreditation, draw and transport arrangements have been finalised in coordination with relevant Abu Dhabi authorities, according to the higher organising committee. Training sessions for delegations are scheduled at designated venues including the Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan and Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel in the days leading up to competition. The structure ensures seamless operations across preliminaries and final blocks over the three competition days.
