Abu Dhabi is set to host several international sports events in May, led by martial arts championships, including the World Judo Championships, the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu. Additionally, the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon and the second leg of the AFC Champions League Final will take place.
Specifically, the Mubadala Arena at Zayed Sports City will host the 8th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship from May 3 to 8, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The event will feature over 1,500 male and female athletes from more than 30 countries, as reported by the Emirates News Agency "WAM." The championship, organized by the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federation and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, will include competitions for adults, youth, and juniors. Following this, the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu will take place from May 10 to 12 for all categories, including juniors, youth, adults, and masters, with expected participation from over 60 countries.
Another significant sporting event is the World Judo Championships, scheduled from May 19 to 25 at the Mubadala Arena. This prestigious event, taking place for the first time in the UAE, is the 37th edition and will see participation from over 100 countries, overseen by the International Judo Federation and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. This tournament is also a crucial qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, adding to the excitement among the participating athletes.
Additionally, Abu Dhabi will host the World Triathlon Championships on May 3 and 4 at Yas Marina Circuit, featuring top triathletes seeking points for qualification to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, with participation from 110 athletes from more than 25 countries. The elite men's competition will include 55 professional athletes from 22 countries, including the top three medalists from the 2020 Olympics.
At Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, Al Ain FC will face Yokohama of Japan in the second leg of the AFC Champions League Final on May 25, aiming for their second continental title on home soil, following their first encounter on May 11 at the Japanese team's stadium.
On May 7, the qualifiers for the Women's Cricket World Cup will be announced, with Asian qualifiers currently underway at "Cricket Sport Hub," featuring 10 international teams. The World Cup will later take place in September and October in Bangladesh and Abu Dhabi.
