Abu Dhabi is set to host the UAE’s inaugural international professional sumo competition this month. The All-Star Sumo Competition, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will take place at the Space42 Arena on September 26, bringing one of Japan’s most storied sporting traditions to the capital.
The event will feature nine elite rikishi hailing from Japan, Mongolia, and Egypt. Over the course of 36 bouts, these athletes—who collectively hold world championship titles and Emperor’s Cup honors—will demonstrate their expertise in a sport defined by decades of professional training. The competition is being coordinated in partnership with USA Sumo to ensure that professional standards and traditional presentation remain consistent throughout the event.
Mohamad Yehya, General Manager of Space42 Arena, highlighted the significance of the debut. “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,” Yehya stated. He added that the event offers fans a unique chance to experience the sport up close, including the distinctive atmosphere and rituals that define professional sumo.
The lineup includes high-profile competitors such as Japan’s Ichi, a winner of the prestigious Emperor’s Cup, and his compatriot Hiroki, recognized as one of the largest active sumo wrestlers in the world. The international nature of the sport is further represented by Mongolia’s Mendee, a decorated junior and international champion, and Egypt’s Ramy El-Gazar, who brings his own international accolades to the dohyo.
Beyond the physical matches, spectators will be treated to the cultural elements that make sumo a unique spectacle. The program includes the formal ring-entering procession and various pre-bout rituals. These traditions, alongside the respect shown toward the dohyo, are integral to the experience, providing fans with a rare look at a heritage-rich sport that is seldom seen within the region.
As the Space42 Arena prepares to host the dohyo on September 26, the competition serves as a milestone for Abu Dhabi’s sports scene. By showcasing athletes from diverse backgrounds, the event highlights the global reach of sumo while maintaining the deep-seated traditions that have kept the sport at the heart of Japanese culture for centuries.
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