SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation (UAESARF) is accelerating efforts to expand sailing’s reach nationwide, with a particular focus on nurturing Emirati youth - inspired by the success of the GKA Kite World Tour currently taking place in Abu Dhabi.
For the first time, the UAE capital is hosting the Hydrofoil Big Air and Freestyle Kite World Cup on Fahid Island. Since the event opened on October 25, thousands of spectators have gathered along the waterfront to watch elite athletes launch into the skies in spectacular fashion.
Delivered in partnership with Aldar, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and AD Ports Group, the World Cup forms the headline of the nine-day Fahid Island Watersports Festival, running until November 2 - strengthening Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global hub for sport, adventure, and lifestyle tourism.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of UAESARF, expressed pride in the turnout and collaboration behind the event.
“The weather conditions are perfect, everybody is happy, and we are very pleased to see a large number of spectators enjoying the outstanding facilities,” he said. “Aldar, AD Ports Group, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council all joined hands with the Federation to make this a success.”
Encouraged by the strong momentum, the federation now aims to multiply Emirati participation in kite surfing.
“We have long-term plans to increase participation by four to five times over the next two years,” said Mohamed Abdulla Alobeidli, Secretary-General of UAE Sailing & Rowing federation. “Developing young Emirati talent - both boys and girls - is our priority.”
Alobeidli emphasised the significance of the venue as a symbol of the UAE’s deep maritime culture.
“Fahid Island has always been a natural playground for kite surfing and marine sports,” he said. “It is now a world-class destination - but its spirit remains embedded in Abu Dhabi’s maritime heritage.”
With world champions in flight over its shores and a growing community behind the sport, Fahid Island is helping anchor the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in marine sports development.