The first ever Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council to take place at Mina Zayed
Sports fans and adrenaline seekers in Abu Dhabi have even more to look forward to in the coming months as the capital will host the world’s most exciting racing on water as it gears up for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix in January next.
Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix will take place on 13 and 14 January and will see the waters around the capital come alive and welcome the sport’s best athletes representing national teams from around the globe.
In what is another major event added to the sporting calendar in the region, the event will witness some of the sports’ greatest performers unleash their prowess on the waters of Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi’s historic port. The event is presented in partnership with SailGP’s Global Series Partner Mubadala Investment Group and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
The highly anticipated global event was announced at a press conference held at the Saadiyat Beach Club in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates Modern Sailing and Rowing Federation, HE Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sport Council, Mansour Al Ketbi, Executive Director of Digital and Corporate Services at Mubadala Investment Company and representative for Mubadala Foundation, and Russell Coutts, CEO of SailGP, along with a number of leading sports professionals.
With an exhilarating Season Four schedule already underway, SailGP is ready to make history by bringing the global racing championship to the UAE capital.
The city of Abu Dhabi will be the latest addition to the growing, purpose-driven series, becoming the latest stop on the global league’s calendar for Season Four – which also includes iconic venues such as New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, Saint-Tropez, and San Francisco.
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Tickets are now on sale to witness this thrilling racing on water, with thousands expected to gather to watch the high-speed action.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates Modern Sailing and Rowing Federation, welcomed the UAE hosting of the most enthusiastic and exciting sailing boat race in the world.
He emphasised the hosting of the major event enhanced Abu Dhabi’s role as a premier sporting destination in the region and the Middle East. Sheikh Ahmed praised Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the upcoming event, which brings together the elite and stars of the sport of sailing in a challenge that brings together the best sailing techniques and modern scientific methods represented in flow and harmony with the work in a team of sailors.
Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate and Human Capital Officer, Mubadala, said: “We’re excited to bring SailGP to Abu Dhabi, building on our strong maritime heritage, and showcasing our role as a responsible investor. Driving positive change has been our core mandate since our inception and our partnership with SailGP, a like-minded trailblazing organization, reinforces this commitment.”
Mubadala Investment Company, as SailGP’s event Title Partner and Global Series Partner of the Inspire Program, will be supporting SailGP’s efforts to champion STEM education and sport across all levels, furthering their commitment to inclusivity.
Across its three pathways – Careers, Learning, and Racing – the Inspire initiative has engaged more than 15,483 young people worldwide, smashing its target of reaching 10,000 young people by 2025 two seasons early. With Mubadala’s support, SailGP Inspire has now set its sights even higher, with an ambitious goal of engaging 25,000 young people by the end of 2025.
SailGP CEO and five-time sailing Olympian Russell Coutts said: “This is another great moment for our global championship as we continue our rapid expansion and I am delighted that we are adding another new capital city to our event roster for Season 4.”
“Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without our partners and in particular Mubadala Investment Company – who has increased its commitment to SailGP over the next three seasons – along with the support of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
“Together we will work to promote climate-positive solutions and foster transformative change within the region – through initiatives such as Inspire – and look at ways that we can make an impact long into the future,” he added.
Mina Zayed provides a spectacular viewpoint for fans to immerse themselves in the adrenaline-filled action as the high-speed foiling F50 catamarans race right in front of their eyes at Dhow Harbour. Fans will witness the ten national teams vying for points over two days across five races before a final showdown featuring the top-three teams to decide the event winner.
With COP28 set to take place in the UAE this November all speakers at the launch were keen to mention the important role that the sport plays in sustainability and the fact that all their boats rely solely on wind for acceleration meaning the industry has already been playing its part in climate change solutions.
A number of ticket categories are available such as premier grandstand seats, which include complimentary drinks, snacks and upgraded grandstand seating, or for those keen to get to the heart of the action team base tours are available to take fans on an exclusive tour behind the scenes. Those with their own boats, can enjoy on-water viewing right on the racecourse perimeter.
Fans who are looking to attend the event should head to SailGP.com/AbuDhabi to get more details and purchase tickets.
For any further information about sporting news in Abu Dhabi and beyond, visit Yalla Abu Dhabi Life
Image source Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix
