The Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship launches with total cash prizes valued at AED 1,168,000

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship will be held from 10 to 12 January, 2025, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, and will commence from three main locations: Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi Corniche, and Dalma Island.

The details of the Championship were announced at a press conference held at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, in the presence of a number of sports leaders, media representatives, and representatives of the organising, sponsoring and supporting bodies of the anticipated event.

The Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship is witnessing wide participation from professional and amateur fishermen, who are set to compete for a total cash prize of AED 1,168,000, to be distributed among the top 60 places. The Championship’s organising committee has also allocated prizes for the women’s category similar to those for men, in addition to daily prizes aimed at motivating participants and enhancing competition.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Assistant General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, stated that the Championship reflects the vision of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in enhancing its position as a global sports and heritage destination, noting that it aims to preserve the UAE’s marine heritage and support traditional fishing sports in a way that enhances the nation's values ​​of authenticity, sustainability and environmental protection.

Dr. Al Qubaisi said: “The support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for all events and this event in particular reflects the keenness of the wise leadership to consolidate the UAE's national identity and preserve its rich marine heritage, in addition to enhancing sports and cultural tourism in the Al Dhafra region.”

Mr. Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Executive Director of Festivals and Events at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, praised the pioneering role of the Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship as one of the most important initiatives for promoting and preserving marine heritage for future generations. The Championship also serves as a platform to promote the values ​​of centuries-old Emirati traditions and the importance of the human connection to the sea as an essential part of the UAE's identity.

He said: “We extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, for his great support for the Championship and initiatives to preserve Emirati heritage, as this support reflects the keenness of the wise leadership to promote heritage events that highlight the national identity and enhance community interaction with the components of heritage.”

Mr. Al Mazrouei praised the efforts made by the Championship’s organising committee and all participants who are also contributing to the success of this event, which showcases the beauty of Emirati heritage and the importance of preserving it in light of rapid developments.

Mr. Saif Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Competitions Committee at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, emphasised that the Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship is one of the most prominent sports and entertainment events included in the agenda of marine activities in Abu Dhabi. Mr. Al Suwaidi praised the strong support from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for marine sports, which has contributed significantly to the development and organisation of distinguished events that have attracted sports enthusiasts from inside and outside the country.

He also pointed out that this continuous support has contributed to highlighting the Al Dhafra region as one of the most prominent centres for marine sports activities, stressing the importance of the role played by these events in enhancing the region’s position locally and internationally, not only as a sports destination, but as an area that carries a rich cultural and heritage legacy that reflects the UAE's national identity.

Mr. Al Suwaidi added: “We at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club are committed to organising quality events that enhance the UAE’s marine heritage and support traditional sports that form part of our cultural identity. Our goal is to continue to provide events that contribute to highlighting our sports and organisational capabilities, in addition to supporting local talents and engaging the community in these unique activities.”

He concluded his speech by highlighting the importance of continuing to develop marine sports events in line with the vision of the wise leadership, as well as to ensure the sustainability of these sports and enhance their position as an essential part of the UAE’s sporting and cultural identity.

In addition to the large cash prizes, the Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship is part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championships series, in which the season’s champion and the champion who achieves the highest total points across the four championships, will each receive a car. The owners of the heaviest Kingfish weight in the men’s category will also win a fishing boat, with a similar opportunity allocated to the women’s category, making the Championship a unique sporting event that combines sporting challenges with authentic marine traditions.

The Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship aims to preserve the UAE’s rich marine heritage, encourage new generations to practice traditional fishing, promote tourism in the Al Dhafra region, support the local economy, and enhance the position of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a global sports and cultural destination.

The tournament is an ideal platform to celebrate the UAE's unique traditions while highlighting the country’s heritage and the sporting values ​​of sea fishing, making it an exceptional experience for fishermen and participants.

The tournament is sponsored by Abu Dhabi Marine, Meer, Delma Marine, Al Masaood Automobiles, and is supported by the National Guard Command, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and Abu Dhabi Police.