The Dubai Jiu-Jitsu Open Championship this weekend is part of an effort to extend the popularity of the sport out of its Abu Dhabi base and into the rest of the country, organisers said on Tuesday.
"Our long-term objective is that the sport reaches every home in the UAE," said Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, chief executive of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and general secretary of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union
“Our target was to have a large base of jiu-jitsu players. I think we are on the path to realising this dream and Dubai Jiu-Jitsu Open Championship is another leap towards the success that will be continuing with the next championships in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.”
The second edition of the Dubai competition takes place at Al Wasl club on Friday (No Gi) and Saturday (Gi) and is organised by the Dubai Sports Council.
The first day will feature 133 players from 30 countries, with 203 from 41 competing on Day 2.
Faisal Al Ketbi, the Emirati gold medallist at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and the first Emirati black belt holder, is among the 113 Emiratis who will compete, including his UAE teammates Taleb Al Kurbi and Eid Rehan Al Tunaiji.
Al Shamsi hopes the growth of tournaments around the country will lead to additional players.
“I wish the Dubai schools will embrace jiu-jitsu into their curriculum,” he said. “More than 100 schools in Abu Dhabi have already done so and the number of players has reached over 40,000, both boys and girls.”
The Dubai competition is set to become a fixture in the UAE jiu-jitsu calendar.
“We, at the federation, are striving hard to improve the quality of the competitions, increase participation and draw new audiences to the sport in all Emirates,” said Mohammed Humaid Bin Dalmoog Al Dhaheri, board member of UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
“We are delighted to say jiu-jitsu has grown remarkably well over the past few years and is still growing.”
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FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
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