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UAE dominates JJIF World Championship Youth

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The UAE National Jiu-Jitsu Team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, has once again etched its name in history by securing its fourth consecutive victory at the JJIF World Championship Youth in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The team’s incredible performance showcased the athletes’ amazing skills and determination, further solidifying the UAE’s leadership in the sport worldwide.

Young male and female athletes competed fiercely in the Under-21 division on Friday. The final day of the competition witnessed four all-Emirati finals, with the National Team winning a total of 15 medals, including 7 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals. This success brought the UAE’s total medal count to an impressive 46, consisting of 15 gold, 12 silver, and 19 bronze medals. This achievement is significant as the UAE had already won the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships for Adults held in Mongolia in July.

In the women’s Under-21 division, Aysha Alshamsi (45 kg), Balqees Al Hashemi (48 kg), and Shamma Alkalbani (63 kg) secured gold medals, while Sara Alhammadi (45 kg) and Shamma Alblooshi (48 kg) received silver medals.

For the men’s Under-21 division, Omar Alsuwaidi (56 kg), Khaled Alshehhi (62 kg), Faraj Alawlaqi (77 kg), and Abdulrahman Alshimmari (85 kg) all earned gold medals. In the same division, Mahdi Alawlaqi (77 kg), Saeed Hamad Taufiq Alkubaisi (85 kg) and Fahad Alhammadi (69 kg) won silver medals. Amaar Alhosani (94 kg), Saud Alhosani (62 kg), and Sultan Hassan (69 kg) claimed bronze medals.

This historic accomplishment is a testament to the exceptional abilities of male and female UAE champions. Khaled Al Shehhi, Shamma Al Kalbani, and Balqees Al Hashemi achieved a remarkable feat by winning gold in the U-21 category at the World Championship in Kazakhstan, as well as securing gold in the adult category at the World Championships in Mongolia last month. These achievements highlight the UAE’s leading global position in combat sports.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Deputy Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Head of the Delegation to Kazakhstan, expressed his admiration for the National Team’s remarkable achievements. He said, “today, our National Team champions have achieved impressive results, significantly contributing to the country’s medal tally. Their outstanding performance has enabled us to secure the top position in jiu-jitsu competitions for the fourth consecutive year. The credit for this goes to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for their invaluable guidance and support towards the development of jiu-jitsu in the country.”

Al Dhaheri added, “The excellent performance displayed by our athletes today is a testament to the effectiveness of our comprehensive and consistent success strategy, which involves the players, the technical staff, and the Federation’s dedicated team. They have shouldered the responsibility and met the high expectations set for them. Their well-deserved victory in the Under-18 and 21 categories underscore their competence and dedication. We take pride in this exceptional generation of champions, who consistently bring honour to our nation by showcasing their skills on the global stage.”

Mubarak Al Menhali, Director of the Technical Department at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commended the exceptional display of our players in the face of a formidable lineup of international champions. He said, “Our athletes have secured 46 medals, a substantial lead over other teams that secured lower ranks. The challenges presented in the competitions were undoubtedly formidable, yet our champions exemplified outstanding patience, persistence, and unwavering professionalism throughout each match.”

“The World Championship demands diverse techniques and strategic approaches due to the elevated skill levels of the participants. This necessitates meticulous planning and training by the Federation and the technical team. Our players have embraced innovative techniques, refined their skills, and adopted sophisticated technical strategies. Their resolute adherence to these strategies has enabled them to triumph over every challenge they encountered,” he added.

Khaled Alshehhi, who won the 62kg category gold medal, said, “I can’t describe how happy I am to win two gold medals in Kazakhstan and Mongolia in just one month. These wins show that hard work, determination, and not giving up are so important. Even though the fights were tough, we never stopped trying.”

Aysha Alshamsi, who earned the gold in the 45kg category, also thanked the coach and said, “Winning the gold medal at the World Championships makes me really happy. I had to work really hard and listen to my coach to beat my opponents.”

Faraj Alawlaqi, the 77 kg category champion, also felt the same way. “Right from the start of the championship, we were focused on maintaining the success our teammates before us achieved. We’re proud that we could perform so well in the World Championship, despite the tough competition.”

Balqees Al Hashemi, who secured gold in the final match of the 48 kg category, said, “I can’t put into words how amazing it feels to win and to have the national flag around me. I want to congratulate my teammates, and I’m really proud of how well we did in the whole tournament. I want to dedicate this significant win to our wise leaders and the people of the Emirates. Additionally, to all the Emirati women who have achieved amazing things in various fields. They serve as great examples for women all around the world.”

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UAE’s baseball governing committee eyes new growth opportunities

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The UAE’s Baseball Governing Committee is actively pushing forward with its plans to grow and develop the sport across the country, with a focus on grassroots talent and international partnerships.

The three-member committee, led by Dr. Tayyab Kamali as chairman and joined by Zayed Abbas and Mubashshir Usmani, continues to explore new avenues for expanding baseball’s footprint in the Emirates.

Baseball’s governance was officially placed under the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) by the UAE two years ago. Since then, the committee has worked to build a solid foundation for the sport, from youth engagement to infrastructure development.

Dr. Tayyab Kamali, Chairman of the Baseball Governing Committee, said: “The Emirates Cricket Board remains committed to the growth of baseball in the UAE. We’re creating opportunities to promote the sport through talent development, establishing academies, and hosting world-class events across the country.”

He added that the committee has also engaged with several international baseball organisations and that a series of exciting partnerships and initiatives will be announced soon.

With baseball’s rising popularity globally and increasing interest among young athletes in the UAE, the committee is optimistic about the sport’s future in the region.

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Sports

UFC returns to Abu Dhabi this July with blockbuster fight night at Etihad Arena

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Mark your calendars, fight fans. The UFC is making its return to Abu Dhabi on July 26, bringing a stacked Fight Night card to Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed the first six explosive matchups, including a can’t-miss main event featuring former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker taking on Reinier de Ridder, the surging Dutch fighter making waves across the division.

The co-main event sees rising star Aaron Pico make his highly anticipated UFC debut in a five-round featherweight showdown against the undefeated Movsar Evloev.

Official UFC Abu Dhabi Fight Card – July 26

  • Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder – Middleweight Main Event
  • Movsar Evloev vs. Aaron Pico – Featherweight Co-Main (5 rounds)
  • Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee – Bantamweight clash with fireworks guaranteed
  • Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov – High-stakes bantamweight bout
  • Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-André Barriault – Middleweight showdown
  • Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov – Light heavyweight banger

From title contenders to breakout stars and debuting fighters, this card is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most thrilling events in the UAE.

Tickets and more info coming soon. Stay tuned to UFC Arabia and Etihad Arena channels for updates.

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Middle East

DP World ILT20 strikes deal with Kuwait Cricket Board to develop T20 game in region 

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In a major boost for regional cricket, the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has signed a strategic partnership with the Kuwait Cricket Board to develop the sport in Kuwait and beyond.

The collaboration, formalised at a high-profile ceremony at Dubai International Stadium, will see Kuwait host ILT20 development tournaments, offer exposure to local players, and eventually aim to stage official ILT20 matches on Kuwaiti soil.

This marks the first official partnership of its kind between the Emirates Cricket Board and any other national board under the ILT20 framework, placing Kuwait on the global cricket map.

What This Means for Cricket in the Gulf

  • Annual ILT20 Development Tournaments in Kuwait to identify and nurture local talent
  • Opportunity for Kuwaiti players to be scouted by ILT20 franchises
  • Future possibility of ILT20 matches hosted in Kuwait, expanding the league’s GCC footprint
  • Greater involvement of local sponsors and Kuwaiti brands in regional cricket
  • Enhanced pathway for Kuwaiti nationals to pursue full-time cricket careers

Voices from the Partnership

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20 and Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, said: “We are proud to announce this strategic collaboration with the Kuwait Cricket Board as they officially join the DP World ILT20 family. This partnership underscores our commitment to expanding the game’s footprint across the Gulf region. Kuwait is a valued partner, an ambitious country with a clear vision for promoting and developing cricket.


“With strong cricket-playing communities across the region, the DP World ILT20 aims to create opportunities for players and fans alike. Our goal is to elevate the sport and make the league a truly regional platform for cricket excellence.”

Haider Farman, President of Kuwait Cricket, stated: “It is an honour to formalise this landmark agreement between Kuwait Cricket and the Emirates Cricket Board to promote the DP World ILT20, both in our two countries and across the wider region. This partnership is a cornerstone in our shared vision to grow and globalise the sport of cricket.


“We take great pride in Kuwait being recognised as the first strategic partner of the DP World ILT20. Cricket is rapidly gaining momentum in Kuwait, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in integrating more Kuwaiti nationals into the sport as players, officials, and professionals.

“With the upcoming Asian Games in Qatar (2030) and Saudi Arabia (2034), the timing is ideal. We believe this partnership will inspire the next generation across the GCC and lay the foundation for long-term cricketing success.”

David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, commented: “We congratulate Kuwait Cricket for their strategic foresight and leadership, which have made this exciting partnership possible. The DP World ILT20’s long-term vision extends beyond the UAE; it is to serve as a catalyst for cricket development across the Gulf.

“This agreement opens up incredible opportunities for young talent in Kuwait to grow, compete, and ultimately be scouted for the main league. We’ve already seen how UAE players have benefitted from exposure to high-level competition and coaching, with recent wins like the T20I series against Bangladesh highlighting that impact. We are confident Kuwait will see similar progress.”

Sajid Ashraf, Director General of Kuwait Cricket, added: “This collaboration marks a historic moment for Kuwait Cricket and the broader sporting community. Partnering with the Emirates Cricket Board and the world-class DP World ILT20 opens new doors for our players to pursue full-time careers in professional cricket.


“Beyond the field, this alliance provides a powerful platform for Kuwaiti corporations to connect with the region’s vibrant cricket-loving population. With more than two million expatriates in Kuwait and a population of five million, the potential for commercial engagement is significant.


“We look forward to the launch of the ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait and the many opportunities it will bring for players, fans, and businesses. This is a defining step towards building a stronger cricket ecosystem and ensuring lasting impact for generations to come.”

What’s Next?

The first DP World ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait is set to be announced soon. Meanwhile, ILT20 Season 4 kicks off in the UAE on December 2, 2025 (UAE National Day), with six teams competing across 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4, 2026.

As cricket cements its popularity across the GCC, this collaboration signals a shared ambition: to create an inclusive cricket ecosystem, from Dubai to Kuwait and beyond.

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