Heads of delegation and athletes participating in the 2026 Ju-Jitsu World Championships visited the People of Determination Production Centre in Al Bahya as part of the competition’s cultural and community programme. The activity allowed representatives from different countries to learn about a local initiative dedicated to promoting the inclusion and social participation of people with disabilities.
During the tour, the delegations observed the production processes and learned about the work carried out by people at the facility. The centre supports activities related to food production and packaging, printing, garment making and other forms of craftsmanship. Visitors received gifts made at the centre in recognition of their support for these initiatives. “People of Determination” is the official term used in the United Arab Emirates for people with disabilities, emphasising their abilities and contribution to society.
The World Championships move beyond the mat
The centre is linked to the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, a public body that provides educational, social, care and vocational rehabilitation services across the emirate. Its programmes aim to align training with labour-market requirements, provide employment opportunities and enable participants to take a direct role in different production processes.
The visit took place during the World Championships organised by the Ju-Jitsu International Federation -JJIF- and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation -UAEJJF-. The competition runs from 1 to 9 August at the Mubadala Arena, within Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, and brings together more than 1,500 international athletes. The event is being held under the patronage of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
A programme for every stage
The programme includes Jiu-Jitsu, Fighting, Duo, Show and Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi across the Masters, under-16, under-18, under-21 and adult divisions. The opening day on 1 August featured the Masters divisions and the JJIF Under-14 Cup, a competition held separately from the World Championships. The youth events took place from 2 to 5 August, while the adult and Para Ju-Jitsu divisions form the final phase of the programme from 6 to 9 August.
This structure brings together athletes of different ages and disciplines within the same programme, from youth development divisions to elite competition and Para Ju-Jitsu. Following the conclusion of the youth phase, the World Championships continue at the Mubadala Arena with the adult events and final medal contests before closing on 9 August.
Inclusion and engagement with the local community
The activity in Al Bahya temporarily took athletes and officials away from the competitive environment and allowed them to see how a local employment inclusion project operates. The visit also created an opportunity for representatives of participating nations to engage with the host community during a championship encompassing different disciplines, generations and regions.
JJIF presents the initiative as part of its commitment to inclusion, social responsibility and cultural exchange during the World Championships. Alongside the sporting programme, these activities aim to facilitate contact between international delegations and the host community while presenting ju-jitsu as a space for coexistence, respect and social participation.
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