{
  "id": 5295284,
  "title": "Sumo to make UAE debut at All-Star event in Abu Dhabi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/sumo-to-make-uae-debut-at-all-star-event-in-abu-dhabi-5295284",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-03T09:22:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/2026/09/03/sumo-to-make-uae-debut-at-all-star-event-in-abu-dhabi/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sumo wrestling will make its long-awaited debut in the UAE when the All-Star Sumo Competition arrives in Abu Dhabi later this month. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the event will be held at the Space42 Arena on September 26. Never before has an international professional sumo tournament been staged in the country, marking a historic milestone for the sport in the region.\n\nNine elite rikishi, or professional sumo wrestlers, will compete in 36 bouts, representing Japan, Mongolia, and Egypt. These athletes bring a wealth of experience with them, boasting world championship titles, Emperor’s Cup honors, and decades of professional competition under their belts.\n\nSpectators can expect more than just the matches themselves. The event will feature a formal ring-entering procession, traditional pre-bout rituals, and other elements of sumo’s centuries-old traditions. Mohamad Yehya, general manager of Space42, expressed excitement about bringing professional sumo to the UAE, stating that it adds a unique dimension to Abu Dhabi’s sporting calendar and offers an opportunity to introduce audiences to a sport with a rich history and deeply rooted traditions.\n\nAmong the notable participants is Ichi of Japan, a winner of the Emperor’s Cup, the highest honor in Japanese professional sumo. Also making waves is Hiroki, another prominent name in the sport. The field also highlights the sport’s global reach, with Mongolia’s Mendee, a junior world champion, and Egypt’s Ramy El-Gazar, an internationally decorated champion, adding regional interest to the competition. This diverse lineup of athletes ensures that UAE fans will experience a sporting tradition rarely seen in the region, offering a rare glimpse into the dohyo (sumo ring) and the respect and ceremony that surround it. To secure tickets for the All-Star Sumo Competition, fans can visit Platinumlist.net.",
  "summary": "Sumo wrestling is set to make its UAE debut when athletes of the All-Star Sumo Competition land in Abu Dhabi later this month. The event, hosted by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, will take place at the Space42 Arena on September 26. It will be the first time an international professional sumo competition has been staged in the country. Nine elite 'rikishi' (professional sumo…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Sumo to make UAE debut at All-Star event in Abu Dhabi",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/sumo-to-make-uae-debut-at-all-star-event-in-abu-dhabi",
        "published": "2026-09-03T09:22:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}