Mubadala Arena is hosting the action in the United Arab Emirates capital, with the event one of the most important in ju-jitsu.

Abu Dhabi is considered as the "capital" of ju-jitsu with the city part of the name of the World Tour which has already visited Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Sydney and London this season.

Prizes totalling $1.525 million (£1.210 million/€1.387 million) are up for grabs for winners who will also receive 3,000 ranking points - meaning the action will be crucial in determining who ends up on top of the end-of-season standings across the various weight categories. 

Athletes to look out for include home fighter Zayed Al Kathiri, the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship winner, who will be favourite in the 56 kilograms division.

"I believe I'm capable of performing well in all the different positions and chapters of ju-jitsu, including stand-up fighting, passing and playing guard," Al Kathiri said.

"This flexibility allows me to adapt to different strategies and tactics in a fight."

Others to watch include Julia Alves in the women's under-62kg and Lucas Protásio in the men's under-77kg, with both Brazilians winning their overall rankings last season.

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, the deputy chairman of the UAE Ju-Jitsu Federation, said: "Abu Dhabi Grand Slam is one of the most prominent ju-jitsu championships in the world, and it is one of the few tournaments whose rounds are held in major country capitals and cities. 

"The championship returns in its current round to the UAE capital, which will further cement Abu Dhabi's position as the world’s destination for champions from around the world."