Over the last decade, the UAE has positioned itself as a global powerhouse in sports. From your perspective, what have been the most significant milestones in the country’s sporting evolution, and how has Palms Sports contributed to this transformation?
The UAE’s rise as a global sports powerhouse is the outcome of a bold national vision – one that prioritizes human development, community well-being, and long-term athletic excellence. Over the past decade, the country has built world- class facilities, attracted international events, and created sustainable pathways that empower its citizens to lead healthier, more active lives.
A landmark achievement in this growth has been the School Jiu-Jitsu Program, launched in 2008 and widely regarded as the cornerstone of the UAE’s sports ecosystem. It brings to life the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who firmly believes in developing stronger, fitter, and more health-conscious generations through sport. Few disciplines embody these goals as profoundly as jiu-jitsu – a martial art rooted in discipline, respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Over more than 15 years, the program has expanded significantly, graduating tens of thousands of athletes and producing hundreds of world-class champions who have strengthened the UAE’s global reputation in the sport. Today, it spans over 230 schools across the seven emirates, benefitting more than 130,000 students annually, and delivered by over 480 specialized instructors, making it one of the largest and most impactful youth development initiatives in the region and the world.
MMA is often perceived only as a combat sport, yet its impact goes far beyond. How would you describe the deeper value of MMA in terms of discipline, mental resilience, and community building within the UAE?
MMA is far more than a competition of strength and technique—it is a profound discipline that builds character, emotional intelligence, and mental toughness. Its practitioners learn patience, self-control, strategic decision-making, and the ability to remain composed under pressure. These lessons extend well beyond the cage and serve individuals throughout their personal and professional lives.
In the UAE, MMA has taken on a powerful community dimension. The country’s cultural diversity provides a unique environment where the sport brings together people of different nationalities, backgrounds, and ages. In training halls across the UAE, athletes work side by side in an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared purpose. This nurtures strong connections and reinforces the values of unity and tolerance that define our nation.
Programs such as Active Hub amplify this impact by providing families, youth, and adults with accessible, supervised environments to explore sports – including MMA- related disciplines, such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu – in a safe and structured way.
Complementing this is another transformative program led by Palms Sports: Active Hub. Launched in 2022, Active Hub opens public school sports facilities to communities across all regions of Abu Dhabi; Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, enabling residents of all ages to adopt healthier lifestyles. What began with 20 hubs has now grown to 25 fully operational community sports centers, offering 14 different sport disciplines, all delivered under the supervision of dedicated coaches, trainers, and instructors. The program has amassed over 135,000 members and recorded more than 1.8 million attendance occurrences since inception. Its profound social impact has earned distinguished recognition, including the Stevie Award 2023, Golden Award for Best Youth Sports Program at SPIA, and a nomination for the Abu Dhabi Government Excellence Award 2025.
Together, these two and other flagship programs – alongside initiatives like UAE Warriors – demonstrate how Palms Sports has contributed to both grassroots and elite- level transformation, helping shape the UAE into a global benchmark for innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in sports.
Through UAE Warriors, our training academies, and community-focused initiatives, we see people develop confidence, discipline, and resilience. Children who once struggled with shyness or focus transform into empowered young leaders. Adults rediscover their sense of purpose, structure, and belonging. MMA in the UAE is not just a sport—it is a vehicle for strengthening individuals, families, and communities.
With the UAE investing heavily in grassroots development, how is Palms Sports shaping the next generation of athletes, and what role does MMA play in fostering national pride, youth engagement, and long-term athletic excellence?
Grassroots development is the bedrock of the UAE’s sports strategy, and it is an area where Palms Sports has taken a leading role. By designing large-scale youth development systems such as the School Jiu-Jitsu Program, and national Service physical readiness and Jiu-jitsu training programs, Palms Sports ensures that young people across the nation are exposed to structured and value-driven physical education from early childhood. With more than 130,000 students trained annually, the program instils discipline, respect, confidence, and physical literacy—attributes that form the building blocks of lifelong athletic engagement, and a balanced, well- developed personality.
Active Hub complements this effort by extending the benefits of structured sport beyond school hours. It encourages families and youth to stay active throughout the week, offering access to 14 sport disciplines under professional supervision. With more than 1.8 million attendance occurrences, Active Hub has become a national model for promoting healthy lifestyles and community well-being. It also introduces children to new sports – Including combat-sport-related activities – allowing them to explore their interests in a supportive setting.
Within this broader ecosystem, MMA plays a pivotal role. Its dynamic and diverse skill sets make it highly appealing to young athletes. More importantly, MMA develops attributes such as goal setting, perseverance, humility, and emotional control. When delivered responsibly, MMA becomes a catalyst for long-term engagement, helping youth remain focused on positive development and setting them on pathways that can lead to competitive or professional careers.
Whether through Jiu-Jitsu in schools, multidisciplinary training in communities, or advanced pathways through UAE Warriors, Palms Sports ensures that the next generation is equipped not just with athletic ability, but with values, confidence, and the mindset of future leaders.
As CEO and Managing Director of Palms Sports, how do you envision the future of combat sports in the UAE? What innovations, partnerships, or educational initiatives do you believe will define the next chapter of MMA and multi-sport development in the region?
The future of combat sports in the UAE is incredibly bright and will be shaped by innovation, strategic partnerships, and education-driven development. As our leadership continues to invest in sports as a pillar of societal well-being, we will see a stronger integration of sports science, technology, and community outreach.
Innovation will play a decisive role. Palms Sports, through its up-and-coming subsidiary, Neuronso, is already integrating AI-driven performance analysis, smart training platforms, and data-focused athlete monitoring into our academies and programs. These advancements will enable more precise training methodologies, reduce injury risks, and elevate athletes’ performance. As this technology matures, the UAE is well positioned to become a global leader in intelligent athlete development.
Community programs such as Active Hub will be equally important in shaping the future. They serve as steppingstones for early talent discovery, accessible fitness, and community engagement. As these hubs continue to expand and diversify, they will nurture a broader base of athletes who may later progress into competitive realms, including MMA and other combat sports.
Partnerships with international federations, regional promotions, universities, and government institutions will further strengthen the UAE’s role as a global hub for martial arts. These collaborations create pathways for education, certification, coaching development, and international exchange programs.
Lastly, education will be a cornerstone of sustainability. The UAE’s sports future depends not only on elite athletes but also on capable coaches, referees, sports scientists, administrators, and youth leaders. Palms Sports is committed to expanding structured learning environments, certification pathways, and talent-identification programs that empower the next generation of sports professionals.
The future of combat sports in the UAE will be defined by a harmonious blend of tradition, modernity, and community impact. And with initiatives like UAE Warriors, the School Jiu-Jitsu Program, and Active Hub working in synergy, the UAE is poised to set new global benchmarks in combat sports excellence.
By Carla Branco