Victory Team Claims XCAT World Championship at Dubai Grand Prix

Victory Team has triumphantly secured the XCAT World Championship title after dominating the main race at the Dubai Grand Prix on Friday. The victorious pair, Salem Al Adidi and Issa Al Ali, piloted their boat “Victory 7” to victory, officially declaring them champions of the 2025 season ahead of the final race scheduled for Sunday. This thrilling event took place at Al Nessnass Beach in Jumeirah, Dubai, where the team showcased a stellar performance from start to finish.

Al Adidi and Al Ali demonstrated steady control from the beginning of the race, progressively distancing themselves from their competitors, ultimately winning the initial heat and confirming their world title earlier than expected. Victory Team amassed 35 points for this race, bringing their overall score to 165 points and establishing a solid 39-point gap from their nearest rival, the British team. With a fifth-place finish, the British team could only reach 126 points, making it impossible for them to surpass Victory Team in the rankings.

This achievement marks the seventh world title for Victory Team within the XCAT category, further extending their accolades since 2012. Altogether, this victory represents the team’s 27th world title across various marine racing events, underscoring their longstanding legacy in international powerboat racing.

The champions were officially honored by Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Marine Sports Federation, during an awards ceremony with esteemed sports officials from Dubai and beyond. This event underscored the significance of marine sports in the UAE and the unwavering support extended to national teams competing globally.

In their remarks following the race, team members conveyed immense pride in regaining the title after several years. Team officials attributed their success to exceptional teamwork, meticulous planning, and dedicated preparation. Salem Al Adidi mentioned that remaining calm and waiting for the opportune moment to take charge was vital to their achievement, while Issa Al Ali expressed gratitude to everyone who stood by the team throughout the season, acknowledging how improved coordination and experience propelled them to the pinnacle of success.