All-Star Sumo Competition to take place in Abu Dhabi for first time

Abu Dhabi is set to capture one of Japan’s oldest and most distinctive sporting traditions, with professional sumo wrestlers competing for the first time in the UAE on September 26.

The All-Star Sumo Competition will take place at Space42 Arena.

Nine elite rikishi will compete in 36 bouts, combining athletic contest with sumo’s ceremonial traditions.

The lineup brings together athletes from Japan, Mongolia and Egypt, representing world championship titles, Emperor’s Cup honours and decades of professional competition.

Ichi, Japan, headlines the event as winner of the Emperor’s Cup, the highest honour in Japanese professional sumo. He is joined by Hiroki, Japan, among the largest active competitors in the sport, and Ramy El-Gazar, Egypt, an internationally decorated champion whose participation connects regional audiences with the sport’s global stage. Mendee, Mongolia, a World Sumo Champion at junior level and International Sumo Champion, further strengthens the international field.

Additional professional rikishi from Japan and Mongolia complete the lineup, bringing experience from Japanese professional sumo and global competition circuits.

The evening will include the ceremonial traditions associated with professional sumo, including the formal ring-entering procession and pre-bout rituals performed before each match.

“Sumo is rarely experienced live outside Japan,” said Mohamad Yehya, General Manager of Space42 Arena. “Seeing it in person changes how you understand the sport - the atmosphere, the focus of the athletes, and the respect that surrounds each bout.”

The showcase is coordinated in collaboration with USA Sumo to maintain professional standards and traditional presentation.