The opening day of the 13th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship was quite literally a kids’ day out with 175 gold medals up for grabs.
Fighters aged between four and 17 were in action on a busy day across 11 mats in the infant, junior, teen and juvenile divisions at Zayed Sports City’s Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
The Kazakhstan national team claimed the boy’s Best Academy title with 1,350 points. Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club (1,267) and Sharjah Self Defence Club (972) finished second and third respectively.
In the girls’ championship, Palm Sports 777 with 1,115 points toped the table followed by Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club (1,105) and Al Jazira Club (1,025).
“Day one of the championship is always a special occasion as we get to see the future champions of our sports right here on the mats at the Jiu Jitsu Arena, the global home of jiu-jitsu,” Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, vice president of UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said.
“However, today exceeded all our expectations. The level of participation, from within the UAE and across the world, shows great dedication of the athletes and their families, and underlines the work we are doing as a federation to raise awareness of this sport that teaches us so much.
“There were some truly exceptional performances, but the real success was the level of respect and support the athletes had for one another.”
Alanis Dos Santos, 14, was one of those athletes who made the long trip from Brazil to Abu Dhabi just for the opportunity to compete. Her efforts paid off as she took gold in the Teen Orange belt 57 kilogram weight.
“Today is something really big for me, really special,” she said. “It’s a privilege just to come here and compete, so to win a gold makes it even better.
“Abu Dhabi gives so much importance to jiu-jitsu and it’s made me want to come and compete here this year. I have flown in specifically for this competition and I am happy I was able to win. In future I want to come back and win here again.”
Dzhamal Ruzakhunov, 14, also made a successful trip with the Kazakhstan delegation. He participated in the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation’s World Championship last week and now in the Abu Dhabi Championship also knows as the World Pro.
“I won bronze at the Worlds so to win gold in the World Pro is very special to me,” he said. “My country has been sending teams here to compete in these championships for many years because the organization is very good. I’m hoping to use this as a springboard for more medals.”
Shaikha Al Katheeri, 17, was one of a number of Emiratis to top the podium on an action-packed first day. She won gold in the Teen blue belt to help Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club take third place in the Girls Academy standings.
“I’ve been practicing really hard for this championship and winning this gold proves that hard work is worth it,” she said. “It has paid off. This arena is like home for me. I have been competing in this championship for 10 years and I’ve managed to take a podium finish in the past.
“However, I must keep working hard and keep improving. I want to compete internationally for my country, so this will give me confidence.
The World Pro continues with the Masters (Over-30s) take to the mats in blue – purple belts on Monday.
Essentials
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Geneva from Dh2,845 return, including taxes. The flight takes 6 hours.
The package
Clinique La Prairie offers a variety of programmes. A six-night Master Detox costs from 14,900 Swiss francs (Dh57,655), including all food, accommodation and a set schedule of medical consultations and spa treatments.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
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The specs
Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed auto
0-100kmh 2.3 seconds
0-200kmh 5.5 seconds
0-300kmh 11.6 seconds
Power: 1500hp
Torque: 1600Nm
Price: Dh13,400,000
On sale: now
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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Boost to the UAE economy of 5G connectivity will be... $269bn
