The Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship 2025 has concluded following three days of fierce competition between 1,800 sailors representing 18 different nationalities from 10-12 January.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, and organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, the event saw the participation of 327 boats (305 boats in the men’s category and 22 in the women’s category).
The championship took place across three locations including in Abu Dhabi, Al Mirfa, and Dalma Island. Cash prizes of up to AED1.168 million were offered, and 110 fish were caught by participants, with a total weight of 1,800kg.
The winners of the championship, and the event’s partners and sponsors, were recognised in a ceremony held on the beach in Al Mirfa City, attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Marine Sports Federation and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club. The ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, His Excellency Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and a select group of industry leaders and media representatives.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan gave directives during the ceremony for the prize range in the Dhafra Grand Kingfish Hunting Championship to be expanded as part of efforts to support and encourage more participants.
Saeed Al Rumaithi won the first-place prize of AED150,000 after catching a kingfish weighing 26.52kg. Abdullah Al Jaafari came in second place with a kingfish weighing 26.11kg, winning AED100,000. Omar Al Shamsi came in third with a weight of 25kg, winning AED50,000. In the women’s category, Maryam Al Hosani won first place and a prize of AED150,000 after catching a kingfish weighing 18.21kg. Zainab Saeed came in second place with a weight of 17.96kg, winning AED100,000, and Anoud Mohammed came in third place with a weight of 17.76kg, winning AED50,000.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan expressed his pride in the success achieved by the first round of the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship, which enjoyed distinguished participation and a wide presence from fans of the traditional sport. He extended his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, for his generous patronage.
Sheikh Mohammed stated that this success consolidates the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club's capability in organising and managing kingfish competitions, with this season's rounds representing an extension of this ongoing success and organisational excellence. He praised the cooperation between the various supporting entities and institutions, commending the role played by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in enhancing the championship’s traditional roots, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for its continuous support for marine sports and their development.
Sheikh Mohammed said: "We are grateful for this great support from our partners, who were a key element in achieving this distinction, and we affirm our commitment to continue organising heritage and sports events that contribute to enhancing Abu Dhabi's position as a global destination for marine sports, while preserving the national identity and consolidating traditional values among generations."
His Excellency Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei said: “The Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship embodies the directives of the wise leadership aimed at developing marine heritage activities, due to what the sea represents to the people of the UAE. The championship achieved the goal of promoting traditional sea fishing and preserving it as an Emirati heritage, and encouraged various other communities to take part.”
Al Mazrouei also expressed his appreciation for the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and noted that the championship witnessed record participation, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s efforts to preserve the heritage of past generations, and inspire values such as endurance, patience, cooperation and self-reliance.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage of the maritime festival, which plays a key role in promoting sports as a daily lifestyle and reviving traditional fishing sports.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani said: "The Dhafra Grand Kingfish Hunting Championship goes beyond being a mere sporting event; it serves as an opportunity to preserve and celebrate the heritage of the UAE. It brings together individuals from various nationalities and cultural backgrounds in a competition that honours skills and expertise in fishing sports, while reflecting the values of cooperation and community engagement."
The championship supports the local economy in the Al Dhafra region, particularly tourism, along with the position of Abu Dhabi emirate as a global sports and cultural destination.
The championship is sponsored by Abu Dhabi Marine, Meer, Al Masaood Automobiles, Abu Dhabi Media Network, Autosport, Suzuki Marine, Alqemzi Marine, Al Dhafra Marine, Al Yousuf Motors, and Yamaha, and is held with the support of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, the National Guard Command, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and Abu Dhabi Police.
