Jiu-Jitsu: the UAE’s National Sport
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has a well-documented interest in sports, and in particular, the martial art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu dates back to the 1530s and was first referred to by Hisamori Tenenouchi after he established the first Jiu-Jitsu school in Japan.
His Highness has the ambition of making the UAE, and specifically Abu Dhabi, a center for Jiu-Jitsu by designating it as the UAE National Sport. His Highness believes that by practicing the art of Jiu-Jitsu, people can change their mentality and take broad strides towards a brighter and clearer direction.
Sports management has been at the core of our business operations, and so it shall remain. However, Palms Sports’ future holds much more than sports. Our future vision and growth strategies can all be summed up in one word: diversification.
Fouad Darwish, Palms Sports’ Chief Executive Officer.
Having seen the positive changes and the impact that Jiu-Jitsu has had on his son’s character and attitude, His Highness said:
“If I invest it in my son, I will invest it in my country.”
His Highness recognized that local physical education programs did not feature martial arts and he took the initiative to introduce a comprehensive Jiu-Jitsu program to public schools, and other authority organizations across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Palms Sports was founded with a mandate to execute this program to fulfill the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Palms Sports is now integrating mixed martial arts into sports programs across UAE.
Growth, success and exceptional out-reach
Established in 2011, Palms Sports today promotes niche sporting activities, with a specific focus on Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts, to UAE Nationals.
“Over the last 8 years, Palms Sports has achieved enviable levels of success and growth,” says Fouad Darwish, Palms Sports’ chief executive officer.
“Every measurable criterion point towards sustained growth, continued success and exceptional out-reach.”
Palms Sports is one of the 20+ companies under the International Holding Company PJSC emphasizing the importance of sports in people’s daily lives.
The company is determined to assist communities as they seek to integrate sport and leisure into the very fabric of day-to-day lives.
A 360° sports company, Palms Sports is the leading provider for sports training programs in the UAE. The company enjoys a competitive advantage with regards to Jiu-Jitsu, mixed martial arts and combat sports as it continuously strives to raise awareness and participation by highlighting the physical, mental and health benefits of these sporting activities.
Palms Sports aims to make the UAE, and in particular, the city of Abu Dhabi, a hub for mixed martial arts and combat sports. In order to achieve this vision, these sports are being placed at the heart of efficient and effective programs that will benefit communities.
Whether people require a sports training program or wish to manage all aspects of a sports program and facility, Palms Sports can help at every stage, including; program conceptualization, final execution, creating a customized program that manages the necessary facilities, manpower and equipment.
Mission
To inspire and promote a healthy lifestyle through diverse, quality recreational opportunities. Enhance lifelong learning and good habits through the practice of sports and martial arts and provide fully customized sport services for the benefit of our clients and communities through sports-based skills, tools and values that can improve lives in other ways.
Vision
Develop a mentally and physically active community that possesses the tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle and the continued desire to achieve.
…this is only the beginning
Darwish, while proud of Palms Sports’ accomplishments, is ready to build on the company’s successes and commitment to the UAE while focusing on diversity as the company moves forward:
“Sports management has been at the core of our business operations, and so it shall remain. However, Palms Sports’ future holds much more than sports. Our future vision and growth strategies can all be summed up in one word: diversification.”
This is only the beginning. We are unfolding a new chapter in what will be a very prosperous future of growth and expansion.
“Over the last 3 years, Palms Sports took great strides towards diversification of revenue streams. Currently, Palms Sports has diversified operations and subsidiaries in 4 verticals being, sports and training, education, gaming, security services, and entertainment and events.”
Darwish concludes: “This is only the beginning. We are unfolding a new chapter in what will be a very prosperous future of growth and expansion.”
Palms Sports
4th floor – Building 3 Eastern Ring Rd – Al Muntazah
Ministries Complex – Abu Dhabi
+971 (2) 8111 444
www.palmssports.com
