Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al Mulla and fellow Emirati Amer Hawair produced standout performances as the 2024 UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship concluded at the Old Doha Port Grand Prix in Qatar on Saturday.
In a dramatic Freestyle showdown, Al Mulla came agonisingly close to reclaiming his world title, finishing just behind Italian Roberto Mariani, who sealed the championship. The Emirati star dazzled the crowd with a double backflip in the final Moto, earning 251 points to secure the Grand Prix victory, though Mariani’s overall lead proved just enough to take the world crown.
Al Mulla had entered the final day trailing Mariani by seven points after dominating the opening Moto on Friday. He delivered another masterclass on the closing night, displaying his trademark mix of power and creativity, but ultimately settled for the runner-up spot in the world standings. Italy’s Massimo Accumolo completed the season with bronze.
The Abu Dhabi rider’s spirited performance underscored the team’s enduring strength in Freestyle, a discipline they have long dominated on the world stage.
Meanwhile, the UAE celebrated another triumph through Amer Hawair, who clinched the inaugural Runabout GP2 Asian Continental Championship. The Emirati entered the final Moto with a 10-point cushion over compatriot Khalid Al Maazmi and managed his race with composure to finish fourth – a result that proved enough to secure the title.
Hawair was later promoted to third place after Al Maazmi received a 40-second penalty for a start infringement, confirming an Emirati one-two finish in the championship standings.
“Rashed Al Mulla is a true model of creativity and perseverance,” said Thani Al Qemzi, Executive Director of the team and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club. “He delivered an exceptional season, crowned with this world-class achievement. We take pride in what he has accomplished.”
