Abu Dhabi, January 30, 2025 – Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Marine Sports Federation and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, the Yas Grand Kingfish Championship for Men and Women will take place from February 14 to 16, 2025. The tournament will be launched from three key locations: Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi Corniche, and Dalma Island.
The event is organized by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championships.
A Prestigious Competition with Valuable Prizes
The championship will feature both professional and amateur fishermen, competing for a total prize pool of AED 1.168 million, awarded to the top 60 positions, in addition to daily prizes. Registration is open through the tournament’s official Instagram account @ADKingfish.
Promoting Heritage, Sustainability, and Sports Tourism
Zayed Sari Al Mazrouei, Head of Events at Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and a member of the organizing committee, stated:
"This championship reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision of enhancing its global reputation as a premier sports and heritage destination. It aims to preserve the UAE’s rich maritime heritage and support traditional fishing, reinforcing the values of authenticity, sustainability, and environmental protection."
He added, "Following the great success of the Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship, one of Abu Dhabi’s major fishing events, we are now preparing for the Yas Grand Championship, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. This underscores the leadership’s commitment to preserving the nation’s maritime legacy while also boosting sports and cultural tourism."
A Fully Supported Sporting and Heritage Event
Saeed Khalifa Al Muhairi, Director of Specialized Sports at Abu Dhabi Sports Council and a member of the organizing committee, emphasized that the Council is dedicated to supporting events that blend sports with heritage. He noted:
"We are mobilizing all necessary resources to ensure a unique experience for participants, facilitating logistical and technical preparations in collaboration with relevant authorities. This event will further establish Abu Dhabi as a top sports, tourism, and cultural destination."
Saif Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Racing and Sports Events Committee at Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club and a member of the organizing committee, highlighted the club’s crucial role in providing logistical support to ensure the championship’s success.
"Our expertise in organizing kingfish tournaments plays a key role in enhancing the event’s impact. This championship is among the leading sports and entertainment events, attracting fishing enthusiasts from diverse nationalities," he said.
Part of a Larger Abu Dhabi Fishing Series
The Yas Grand Kingfish Championship is part of the Abu Dhabi Kingfish Championship Series, which consists of four major tournaments. The season champion with the highest accumulated points from three championships will win a car, while the women’s season champion, based on four championships, will also receive a car. Additionally, the angler achieving the heaviest kingfish weight across Abu Dhabi’s tournaments will win a fishing boat, with a separate boat prize awarded for the women’s category.
A Commitment to Tradition and Economic Growth
The Yas Grand Kingfish Championship plays a crucial role in preserving the UAE’s rich maritime heritage, encouraging younger generations to engage in traditional fishing, promoting sports tourism, supporting the local economy, and further establishing Abu Dhabi as a global sports and cultural hub.
