Abu Dhabi to host UAE’s first sumo competition

Abu Dhabi will host the UAE’s first international professional sumo competition on September 26, 2026.

Abu Dhabi is set to welcome one of Japan’s oldest sporting traditions when the UAE’s first international professional sumo competition takes place later this month.

The All-Star Sumo Competition will be held at Space42 Arena on September 26, featuring nine elite rikishi, or professional sumo wrestlers, from Japan, Mongolia and Egypt.

The competition will feature 36 bouts, bringing together wrestlers with world championship titles, Emperor’s Cup honours and decades of experience in professional sumo. The event is hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), with the competition also marking the first All-Star Sumo event in the Middle East.

Japan’s Ichi will headline the line-up as an Emperor’s Cup winner, the highest honour in Japanese professional sumo. He will be joined by compatriot Hiroki, one of the largest active competitors in the sport.

The international field also includes Mongolia’s Mendee, a junior World Sumo Champion and International Sumo Champion, and Egypt’s Ramy El Gazar, an internationally decorated champion.

“Bringing professional sumo to the UAE for the first time is an exciting addition to Abu Dhabi’s sporting calendar and an opportunity to introduce audiences to a sport with a rich history and deeply rooted traditions,” said Mohamad Yehya, General Manager of Space42 Arena, “The event will give fans a unique opportunity to experience sumo up close and discover the traditions and atmosphere that make the sport so distinctive.”

The competition will follow a round-robin format, with the wrestler recording the best overall record crowned the inaugural All-Star Sumo Champion in Abu Dhabi. The nine competitors collectively bring about 65 years of professional Japanese sumo experience to the event.

Doors open at 6pm, with the competition scheduled to begin at 7pm at Space42 Arena in Al Raha, Abu Dhabi. ICA/Expat Media

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