Sailing and modern rowing… Asian achievements and global ambitions
Abu Dhabi, 26th October / WAM / Over the course of about 16 years, the sport of sailing and modern rowing has achieved global indicators of development, competing for continental and international titles, and spreading widely among large sectors of society, through a comprehensive strategy that keeps pace with the latest global practices.
Since the early stages of its establishment in 2009, the Emirates Modern Sailing and Rowing Federation has provided various initiatives and advanced programs to enable different groups in society to play the game, adopt qualitative initiatives, and organize various tournaments.
The new season’s agenda includes many events, most notably the “Asia Optimist” Championship in the Sultanate of Oman, from October 25 to November 1, and the International Kite Surfing Championship, in Abu Dhabi, during the period from October 25 to November 2, 2025.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates Modern Sailing and Rowing Federation, recently announced the establishment of the first Emirati team to participate in the “Sail GP” World Sailing Race, in the coming years, to consolidate the development efforts that the country is witnessing in the field of interest in marine sports.
The sport of sailing and modern rowing has recorded a distinguished presence, at competitive levels, on global, continental and regional arenas, thanks to the support of the wise leadership, the efforts of the federation, maritime and sports clubs, teams and academies, and the great passion of male and female players to participate in modern marine sports tournaments.
The Federation also adopted advanced programs to empower women, discover talented women, design an attractive environment for practicing sports activities, establish a solid base of distinguished women in different categories, and support girls’ participation in foreign tournaments, embodying the reality of development in the women’s sports fields of the game.
The Federation is keen to develop the types of tournaments, diversify events, and keep pace with the global boom in modern rowing, as the “Emirates Champion” is one of the advanced events, and brings together elite sports practitioners from inside and outside the country, with the aim of enhancing competition and discovering national talents to support the Emirati teams at all levels.
Competitors in the sailing boats categories Elka 7, Elka 6, Elka 4, Optimum, and the SP20 boats allocated to the teams have achieved great progress, which has been reflected in the results achieved by the national teams in the Arab and continental championships. The events on the beaches of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain are also witnessing great organizational success thanks to the distinguished infrastructure.
The Federation pays great attention to the youth category among the national teams, as the UAE champions and heroines stand out in this category, achieving various titles in continental and international championships.
Many clubs also stand out for their pivotal role in qualifying male and female players, developing their skills, participating in tournaments, and hosting various events, the most prominent of which are the Abu Dhabi Modern Rowing Team, the Sharjah Women’s Sports Club, the Al Hamriyah Club, the Dubai Police Rowing Team, the Dubai Rowing Club, the British Club, New York University Abu Dhabi, the Monte Rowing Club, and Al Udeid Club.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates Modern Sailing and Rowing Federation, stressed that the sporting development achieved by modern rowing, and the emergence of champions who have the ability to compete globally, enhances the future and strategic vision of the UAE, in consolidating the sustainability of development, in accordance with the best international indicators and standards, with the support and care of the wise leadership.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan extended his thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Sports for its continued support of the Federation’s programmes, and its tangible efforts to advance Emirati sports to global heights, pointing to the cooperation and interaction of maritime clubs, academies, and various teams with the Federation’s programs and events, and its keenness to provide a stimulating environment to practice modern maritime sports activities, and to enable women to participate and advance. With her skills.
In turn, Mohammed Abdullah Hareb Al Falahi, Vice President, praised the strategic development in modern rowing, the distinguished successes of the UAE champions in foreign forums, and the broad base of promising champions in various categories, pointing out that the various achievements are a strong motivation to consolidate the UAE’s leadership in modern marine sports.
Mohammed Abdullah Al-Obaidly, Secretary-General of the Federation, confirmed that the Federation’s strategy aims to create champions in accordance with the best international practices to raise the country’s flag in Arab, continental, international and Olympic competitions.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
