The Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship has concluded. The three-day tournament was organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club (ADMSC), with the shared goal of preserving traditional competitions that encapsulate the UAE’s maritime heritage.
More than 1,500 anglers aboard more than 360 fishing boats participated in the largest event of its kind in the Middle East, with total prize pool exceeding AED1 million. Kingfish delivered for weighing numbered 166, brought in by 135 boats. Hamad Al Kamali, participant number 188, won the first-place prize of AED200,000 after catching a kingfish that weighed 32.69kg on the second day of the tournament, followed by Omar Al Buraiki (173), who won the second-place prize of AED150,000. Third place Mohammed Al Marzooqi (139) won AED100,000.
The fourth-place prize of AED50,000 was won by Ahmed Al Shehhi (88), and fifth-place prize of AED40,000 was won by Saeed Al Rumaithi (20). Meanwhile, sixth-place Muhammad Issa Al Shamsi (224) won AED 30,000, seventh-place Sultan Al Qubaisi (134) won AED25,000, eighth-place Obaid Al Hosani (291) won AED20,000, ninth-place Hashem Al Khaja (7) won AED19,000, and 10th-place Ibrahim Al Marzouqi (50) won AED18,000 by. Prizes awards extended to 60th place.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship is one of the most important marine sporting events that preserves the popular heritage of kingfishing among UAE Nationals and encourages the community to practice the sport of fishing. The event also promotes the concept of reviving local marine heritage, providing opportunities for amateurs to practice fishing, while revitalising the spirit of competition among marine fishing enthusiasts.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General-Secretary of ADSC, appreciated the generous sponsorship and unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of ADSC, for the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship, reflecting the council’s interest in reviving traditional marine sports, as well as encouraging and inviting various segments of society to practice sports and making it a pattern of daily life for all individuals.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani congratulated the winners and all those who participated in the tournament, as well as the committees working the event. He also thanked the sponsors, supporters and everyone who contributed to the success of the first edition of the tournament, indicating that the combined efforts of everyone led to the amazing successes that were achieved.
Majid Ateeq Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship, thanked His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of ADSC for his generous sponsorship of the first edition of the tournament, which witnessed a large turnout from citizens, residents and various participants from around the world. It offered the largest total of financial prizes, which contributed to encouraging participants to practice rod-based marine fishing.
Al Muhairi confirmed that 166 kingfish of various weights, ranging from 14-32 kg, were caught, and congratulated all the winners and wished the best of luck to the remaining contestants.
Al Muhairi said: “We thank everyone who contributed to the success of this largest event of its kind in the region, including our partners, sponsors, organisational committees and volunteers, and we promise everyone more competitions and tournaments related to the sport of marine fishing.”
