Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi Marine Sport Club (ADMSC) has unveiled the comprehensive agenda for the 2026 Abu Dhabi Marine Festival, a nine-day maritime showcase set to run from 10 to 18 January.
Designed to bolster the emirate’s position as a global destination for elite aquatic events, the festival comprises five events which merge historical tribute with high-performance competition as part of a larger strategic plan.
Opening the programme will be the Abu Dhabi Women’s Fishing Championship, which emphasises increasing community involvement and promoting women’s participation in maritime sports.
The schedule also includes the Hudayriyat Dhow Sailing Race for 22-foot vessels and the Abu Al Abyad Dhow Sailing Race for 60-foot dhows. A major highlight will be Al Alya Traditional Bawaneesh Sailing Race for 12-foot dhows – a widely regarded competition on the national calendar.
Closing out the event on the final two days will be the UAE Formula 4 Powerboat Championship, in which the Abu Dhabi Modern Sports Team will take part.
Speaking to Aletihad, Thani Al Qamzi, Executive Director of the powerboat outfit, said the festival’s diverse programme is the result of an integrated vision aimed at elevating the local sporting scene. By positioning the festival as a bridge between eras, the ADMSC seeks to foster a unique environment that respects the past while embracing future innovations.
“The Festival embodies a comprehensive vision that consciously blends the preservation of the UAE’s authentic maritime heritage with keeping pace with the development of modern marine sports, in line with the highest technical and organisational standards,” Al Qamzi said.
According to Al Qamzi, the variety of championships within the Festival reflects a deep-seated commitment to preserving the UAE’s maritime identity. This dual focus is not merely symbolic; it is a calculated investment in the future of Emirati athletics.
He noted additionally: “This approach supports the development of a new generation of champions capable of competing at both local and international levels.”
“It also offers a professional competitive environment that enhances athletes’ experience and supports their long-term development,” Al Qamzi added.
The Women’s Fishing Championship is a key pillar of the club’s strategy to provide inclusive platforms for female athletes. By promoting broader participation across different societal groups, the ADMSC aims to empower women within the maritime sector and create a professional pathway for emerging talent.
Through this strategic alignment of cultural preservation and modern competitive standards, the 2026 Festival is poised to solidify the emirate’s standing as a premier regional hub for major marine events. The club’s focus remains on delivering a professional environment that enhances the experience of seasoned athletes while providing a clear developmental roadmap for the next generation of Emirati champions.
Entries for Al Alya
Meanwhile, the ADMSC has announced the opening of registration for participation in Al Alya Traditional Sailing Dhows Race, scheduled to take place on Friday at the Abu Dhabi Breakwater, as part of the Fesitval.
The organisation of the race comes as part of the Festival’s commitment to reviving traditional marine sports and strengthening the presence of sailing dhows as one of the authentic pillars of the UAE’s maritime heritage, embodying values of challenge, experience, and skill passed down through generations.
Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Director of Heritage Marine Sports Events, affirmed that the Traditional Sailing Dhows Race represents a key milestone within the Festival’s agenda, noting that such events reflect the depth of the UAE’s maritime identity and contribute to passing on this heritage to younger generations through a structured and competitive format.
Al Rumaithi stated that opening registration aims to provide the widest possible opportunity for captains and sailors to take part in this heritage event, confirming that all organisational and technical preparations have been completed to ensure the race is delivered to the high standards befitting the Festival.
He added that the race marks the first round of the competition, anticipating strong participation and intense competition amid growing interest in this category, and invited the public to attend and follow the race, noting that attendance is open to all.
Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club has called on sailors wishing to participate to register through the club’s official channels, emphasising that the dhow race is one of the Festival’s flagship events.
