Abu Dhabi welcomes the international wind-propelled water sports event for first time

AD Ports Group , the leading global enabler of logistics, industry and trade, has announced its title sponsorship of the highly anticipated Wingfoil Racing World Cup Championship.

The event, set to take place from March 15^th to 19^th, 2023, at Al Mughirah Beach, during the Al Dhafra Water Festival, will be the first race in the championship series. Hosted by AD Ports Group and the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, in collaboration with the International Wing Sports Association (ISWA), the World Cup Championship will be held in Abu Dhabi for the first time, marking a milestone moment in the Cup’s history.

With numerous male and female athletes from various countries competing in the World Cup Series, Abu Dhabi will join the ranks of other international venues spanning continents from Australia, Asia and Europe, to South America in showcasing the races of this exhilarating series. Over the course of 2023, a total of five World Cup rounds will take place around the globe, starting in the UAE, and continuing onto Italy, Switzerland, Italy once more, China, and ultimately Brazil. As part of the Cup competition, a total of six races are scheduled per racing day, and medals will be awarded to the first four competitors per racing category.

Wingfoiling, which is predicted to become an increasingly popular sport, is a thrilling and dynamic activity that combines elements from kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing. Participants stand on a board and control a wing that is not connected to the board, relying on the upwards force and sideways propulsion to move across the water.

H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation and Chairman of the Emirates Kiteboarding Association, said: “I am delighted to see this exciting and dynamic event being held in Abu Dhabi, as it demonstrates our commitment to supporting and promoting the development of sustainable sports. I would like to thank our partners at AD Ports Group, the International Wing Sports Association, the International Kiteboarding Association and the Emirates Kiteboarding Committee, whose collaborative efforts have helped make this year’s Cup a reality.

As wingfoiling gains popularity around the world, we are proud to be part of this global movement towards eco-friendly water sports and we look forward to welcoming athletes and spectators alike to experience the thrill of this sport in our beautiful city.”

Commenting on the sponsorship, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group said: “We are excited to announce our title sponsorship of this rapidly growing, international water sport. As we continue our efforts to develop Abu Dhabi into a leading global maritime capital, this event is a fantastic opportunity to raise the Emirate’s profile in front of an international audience and demonstrate our ability to host high-calibre events.”

He continued, “AD Ports Group takes great pride in being the foremost guardian of our Emirate’s waterways. We believe in offering unparalleled experiences, that not only cater to the needs of our valued patrons in the commercial and recreational sectors, but which will also endure for generations to come.”

The Al Dhafra Water Festival is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and celebrates the Emirate’s maritime heritage through a range of activities, including dhow sailing races, beach sports, shows, concerts and a traditional market. With AD Ports Group Wingfoil Racing World Cup Abu Dhabi 2023 set to take centre stage, the festival will prove to be an exciting and unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.