In a setting that combines relaxation and symbolism, His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco is spending a special vacation in the United Arab Emirates, a country with which Morocco shares strong strategic and fraternal relations.
🚨🚨 King Mohammed VI enjoys a vacation in the UAE 🇦🇪
His Majesty is seen strolling in a mall, accompanied by his personal bodyguard, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA fighter Youssef Kaddour from Melilla. 👏🏻👏🏻
May God bless His Majesty pic.twitter.com/crDQl6WjgX
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) January 4, 2025
This vacation follows an intense period of official activities, with His Majesty seen elegantly strolling through one of the major shopping centers, sparking widespread interest both in Morocco and beyond.
Symbolism of the Bodyguard: Youssef Kadour and the Jiu-Jitsu Champions
What stands out during this visit is the presence of His Majesty’s personal bodyguard, Youssef Kadour, recognized as one of the top champions in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts.
Originally from Melilla, Kadour enjoys wide fame in this field both nationally and internationally, and his presence alongside the King reflects the level of trust His Majesty places in sports champions and their role in enhancing Morocco’s positive image.
Questions Needing Answers:
- What messages does having a sports champion in the royal entourage convey?
- Can this royal recognition serve as a catalyst for developing sports policies in Morocco?
Challenges of Jiu-Jitsu in Morocco: Between Royal Support and Institutional Marginalization
Despite the obvious royal trust in jiu-jitsu champions, the sport faces significant challenges in Morocco. The Royal Moroccan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, led by Master Jamal El-Soussi, suffers from clear marginalization by the ministry in charge of sports. Although El-Soussi enjoys international recognition as one of the key figures in the field, his efforts to develop jiu-jitsu in Morocco are hindered by what is described as an “institutional blockade.”
Essential Questions:
- What are the real reasons behind this marginalization?
- How can the international recognition of Master Jamal El-Soussi be used to support the sport in Morocco?
The UAE and Morocco: Fraternal Relations and Ongoing Support
King Mohammed VI’s visit to the UAE highlights the strong ties between the two countries, which extend to the political, economic, and cultural fields. His presence in the UAE reflects the depth of these relations, which are strengthened by shared values and strategic partnerships. The UAE’s support for Brazilian jiu-jitsu makes it a model for promoting sports as a diplomatic and social tool.
Points to Reflect On:
- How can Morocco benefit from the UAE’s experience in developing sports like jiu-jitsu?
- Can bilateral relations include large-scale sports cooperation?
