Sumo is about to make its professional debut in the UAE. Abu Dhabi will host the first All Star Sumo event at Space 42 Arena. There are 36 matches on the schedule. Champions from Japan, Mongolia, and Egypt are set to compete. The city is aiming to become a new stop for international sumo.
The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi is running the event. This is more than just a new sport for the city. It is a clear move to bring sumo's traditions, athletic skill, and drama to a new crowd in the region. Andrew Freund, Director of All Star Sumo and founder of USA Sumo, put it simply: "Hosting All Star Sumo in Abu Dhabi is a major opportunity to showcase this sport to new fans and strengthen its global presence. Sumo blends ancient tradition with raw power and excitement, and we hope these matches will help cement its popularity in the UAE and the region."
The All-Star Sumo event in Abu Dhabi was declared sold-out ahead of its debut on Saturday, 26 September 2026, marking the first international professional sumo tournament in the UAE.
At the press conference before the event, the range and skill of the wrestlers stood out. Japanese wrestlers Itchy and Hiroki, Egyptian champion Rami Elgazar, and chief referee James Taku Leong joined Freund to talk about what makes sumo different. Sumo is a mix of strength, speed, and discipline, all built on old customs. The athletes come from different backgrounds and have different builds. Some weigh 140 kg, others up to 250 kg. Many have fought in hundreds of matches. Sharjah24 / WAM reports that nine wrestlers will take part, with 36 matches in total. The field includes athletes from Japan, Mongolia, and Egypt.
Itchy is one of the top names. He has spent ten years in Japan's pro sumo scene and reached the Sekiwake rank, a level only one percent of wrestlers ever achieve. "Sumo is about more than winning or losing," he said. "It's a test of physical power and mental discipline, built on respect and good conduct. I'm eager to return to competition and will give everything to win the title."
Hiroki stands 193 cm tall and weighs 250 kg. He is the heaviest in the group and a two-time champion in his division, with over 12 years of experience. Egypt's Rami Elgazar is the only Arab wrestler in the event. He comes in as the current US Sumo Open champion. Elgazar is also 193 cm tall and weighs 220 kg. Outside the ring, he works as a professional chef, adding another angle to the event's international mix.
The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is the official organiser of the All-Star Sumo event, underscoring the emirate's commitment to supporting international sporting and cultural projects. The event's significance is further highlighted by the participation of athletes with hundreds of professional bouts and the inclusion of officials from multiple countries. Preparations for the first international sumo competition in the UAE have been covered by The National, reflecting the growing importance of such events for the local and regional sports market.
Abu Dhabi's interest in new sports keeps growing. The city has recently hosted big aquatic and motorsport events. As reported earlier, the emirate is now a draw for top athletes from around the world. The arrival of All Star Sumo adds to its reputation as a place for world-class competition.
With 36 matches and a line-up that shows how sumo is changing, Abu Dhabi's All Star Sumo is more than just a one-off event. It is a step toward growing the UAE's sports scene. Fans will get a rare look at sumo's discipline, spectacle, and culture up close. The real impact will be seen in how well the event helps sumo take root in the region. Abu Dhabi is open to new sports, and its calendar is now even more packed.
