The twelfth Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Judo is set for 29 to 31 October 2026 at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. The UAE Judo Federation has introduced a series of new organisational steps for this edition, aiming to improve both logistics and the experience for athletes and teams. The event will be held under the supervision of the International Judo Federation (IJF), following international standards.
This year, the Federation is making significant changes to how the event is run. Led by Mohamed bin Thaloub Al Derai, who chairs both the Federation and the event's organising committee, new technical and organisational teams have been formed. Their focus is on handling every detail, from team arrivals to competition logistics, to ensure a smooth process for all participants. The Federation says these updates are meant to strengthen operational readiness and support the arrival of top national teams.
The 2026 edition will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Ain Region, lending the event a high protocol status.
Al Derai has stated that the Federation's goal goes beyond simply hosting another tournament. The aim is to provide a strong platform for judo in the UAE, encourage international sporting connections, and build on the event's past achievements. The timing of this edition also marks the 17th anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, which began in 2009. According to official sources, 2026 will be the twelfth time the tournament is held, matching this milestone.
National teams are already registering through the IJF portal. The event is not only about medals; it also offers athletes a chance to earn Olympic qualification points and highlights values like discipline and respect. For the UAE national team, the stakes are high, as the Federation wants its athletes to compete at the highest level. The IJF's ranking system includes the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, confirming its role in awarding international ranking points.
Recent changes in UAE sports governance, as reported earlier, show the country's wider focus on developing athletes and supporting international sports across different fields.
Independent Arabic-language outlet Al Bayan has confirmed the key parameters of the event: it will take place from 29-31 October 2026 at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, marking the twelfth edition under IJF supervision. This external confirmation reinforces the official announcement and highlights the event's established place in the international judo calendar.
The Federation's approach is straightforward: by investing in organisation and athlete support, Abu Dhabi aims to set a new standard for international judo events. For athletes and fans, the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Judo is expected to be a major event on the region's sports calendar.
