Under Hamdan bin Zayed's patronage, Al Dhafra Kingfish Championship in Abu Dhabi

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Under the support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship will be held from January 10 to 12, 2025. The event will take place in three main locations: Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi Corniche, and Dalma Island. It is organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club. The championship is part of the 18th Al Dhafra Festival.

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The competition will have both professional and amateur fishermen. They will compete for a total prize of AED 1,168,000, which will be shared among the top 60 winners. There will also be prizes for both men and women, with daily prizes to encourage more participation and make the competition more exciting.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Assistant General Secretary of ADSC, said the event shows Abu Dhabi’s effort to become a leader in sports and culture. He added that the championship helps protect the UAE’s marine heritage and supports traditional fishing, while also focusing on sustainability and protecting the environment.

He said, “Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s support shows the UAE’s commitment to preserving its marine heritage and growing sports and tourism in the Al Dhafra region.”

Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Executive Director of Festivals and Events at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, praised the championship for helping to keep the UAE's marine heritage alive for future generations. He also mentioned how the event shows the strong link between Emirati people and the sea. He thanked Sheikh Hamdan for supporting heritage events that connect people and show the national identity.

Al Mazrouei said, “The support from Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan shows his care for events that help people connect with their heritage.”
Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Competitions Committee at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, said that the Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship is an important event for sports in Abu Dhabi. He thanked Sheikh Hamdan for supporting marine sports, which has helped bring big events to the region. Al Suwaidi added that the championship makes Al Dhafra well-known for marine sports and shows the UAE’s rich culture.

He said, “We are dedicated to organizing events that support our marine heritage and traditional sports. Our goal is to keep organizing events that show our skills and involve the community.”

The championship is also part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championships series. The champion of the season and the person with the most points in the four events will win a car. The heaviest Kingfish caught in both the men’s and women’s categories will win a fishing boat.
The Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship aims to protect the UAE’s marine heritage, encourage young people to try traditional fishing, promote tourism in Al Dhafra, help the local economy, and make Abu Dhabi a top place for sports and culture.