Page 305 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT JUNE 2025

6/30/25, 3:14 PM Baniyas maintain top spot at Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed...
Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the championship continues to reinforce its role as
a key driver for developing grassroots talent and promoting the country’s national sport.

More than 1,800 male and female athletes are taking part in the fourth round, which has drawn
strong community engagement and attendance.

Day 2 was attended by several dignitaries, including Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed
Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and

Senior Vice President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation; Dr Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri,
Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities; Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice

Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; and Mouza Obaid Al Nassri, Chief Executive Officer
of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.

Also in attendance were Mohamed Alhammadi, Head of Priority Banking Coverage at Abu

Dhabi Islamic Bank; Saed Hijazi Salameh, General Manager Sales, Jaguar Land Rover at
Premier Motors; Badr Mohamed Al Alili, Director of Procurement; and Fayez Al Katheeri,
Director of Facilities Management at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, alongside representatives
from the UAEJJF, clubs, academies, and partners.

Dr Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri said, “Jiu-jitsu is a national and community sport in every sense.
This championship is well-organised and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh

Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the
Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The high level of organisation shows how much the sport has
grown in the UAE and how well it is received by the community.”

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri said: “The championship is special because it bears a name that is
very dear to everyone in the country. The decision by Sheikh Khaled to double the prize money
made the players more ambitious and encouraged them to aim for top positions.”

“Jiu-jitsu gets strong support from the UAE leadership because it teaches important values and
helps shape the character of young people. It has become a key part of sports in the UAE and
plays an important role in developing the next generation. “The championship is a big part of the
federation’s plan to build a strong base of young talent. The younger age groups are the
foundation for producing future champions. The ranking system in the championship helps clubs
compete and pushes them to improve and invest more in their athletes.”

Among the day’s standout performances, Baniyas athlete Salma Rashid Al Mansoori claimed

gold in the Girls U14 -44 kg grey belt division. Her mother, Sarah Al Mansoori, said: “This gold
medal is the result of her hard work and focus. Winning in a tournament that carries such a
respected name makes it more meaningful. We are also thankful to the leadership for increasing
the prize money. It was a huge motivator.”

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