While the United Arab Emirates does not have a single officially designated national sport, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has emerged as the country’s widely recognized national sport, particularly due to state-funded promotion and official designation by the UAE’s leadership.
Historic Traditional Sports
The UAE’s sporting heritage traditionally revolved around activities essential for survival in the desert environment. Falconry represents one of the oldest traditions, dating back approximately 2000 years.
Originally practiced as a source of food to hunt hares and houbara, falconry became a way of life for tribal leaders and their communities. Today, UNESCO works with the UAE government to preserve falconry as a cultural heritage.
Camel racing, often called the “sport of sheikhs,” remains deeply embedded in Emirati culture. These races showcase the extraordinary speed and endurance of specially bred camels, attracting large audiences and maintaining strong connections to the UAE’s Bedouin heritage.
The sport utilizes specifically bred Omani or Sudanese camels, which undergo rigorous training and medical examinations before competition. Horse racing is another famous sport in the UAE. Most people join YYY Casino, a professional site that offers competitive odds and live betting options for various sports, particularly horse racing.
Traditional Sports Overview
| Sport | Origin | Cultural Significance | Current Status |
| Falconry | 2000+ years ago | Hunting and tribal prestige | UNESCO heritage protection |
| Camel Racing | Ancient Bedouin tradition | “Sport of sheikhs” | Official professional sport |
| Horse Racing | Desert transportation | Royal patronage | Modern racing facilities |
| Dhow Sailing | Maritime trading | Coastal community heritage | Cultural festivals |
Football’s Enduring Popularity
Football remains extremely popular throughout the UAE, often considered the most beloved sport among the general population. The sport brings together people from different nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds, making it a powerful symbol of unity in the diverse UAE society.
The UAE national football team made its first international appearance in March 1972, just four months after the country’s formation, marking football as one of the earliest expressions of national identity.
The UAE Pro League features successful clubs like Al Ain FC, Al-Wahda FC, and Al-Dhaid SC, which attract both local fans and international players. Al Ain’s recent victory in the AFC Champions League represents a significant milestone for UAE football, marking the first such achievement for a UAE team in over 20 years.
The success demonstrates the growing strength of football infrastructure and talent development in the country.
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Global Impact
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) plays a significant role in promoting and developing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as the National Game of the UAE. The organization has established Abu Dhabi as the home of jiu-jitsu, hosting the headquarters of Asian and international federations of the sport.
The ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship, running since 1998, attracts grappling talent from across the world and has been instrumental in broadcasting the sport to wide audiences. The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, organized by the UAEJJF since 2012, attracts competitors from 60 countries across all belt levels.
The tournament features substantial prize money, with the 2019 event offering $600,000 in prizes and attracting more than 5,000 competitors. These events have positioned the UAE as a global hub for martial arts and jiu-jitsu competitions.
Government Sports Initiatives and Development
The UAE government has implemented comprehensive sports development policies through Federal Law No. 4 of 2023 Concerning Sports, which establishes the regulatory framework for sports and sports infrastructure.
The law promotes greater sports participation throughout society and strengthens the capacity of authorities to offer accessible sports and physical activities. UAE National Sports Day, initiated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and celebrated annually on March 2nd, promotes values such as peace, brotherhood, and cooperation through sports.
The event engages all segments of society in various sports, entertainment, social, and cultural activities, emphasizing the UAE’s culture of acceptance and inclusivity.
Final Words About the National Game of UAE
The National Game of UAE represents a unique blend of traditional heritage and modern sporting excellence. While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu holds official recognition as the national sport due to government support and educational integration, the UAE’s sporting industry focuses on both ancient traditions like falconry and camel racing alongside popular modern sports like football.
