Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship will be held from April 4 to 6, 2025. The event is organised by the ADSC, Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club (ADMSC).
The competition will take place across three locations in the emirate: Abu Dhabi, Al Mirfa, and Delma Island. Both professional and amateur anglers, including men and women, are invited to participate, competing for a total prize pool of AED1.168 million, awarded across the top 60 positions. Daily prizes will also be offered to encourage participation and enhance competition.
The championship is part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship series, which includes the previous Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish and Al Mugheira Grand Kingfish events, as well as the upcoming Yas Grand Kingfish competition. The season champions (both male and female), who accumulate the highest points across the season’s competitions, will receive a car. Additionally, the participants with the heaviest kingfish in both men’s and women’s categories will win a fishing boat and AED50,000.
Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, praised the pioneering role of the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship during the 2024/2025 season in promoting and preserving maritime heritage for future generations. Al Mazrouei emphasised how the event strengthens the values of the UAE’s rich heritage and the importance of the people's connection to the sea as a fundamental part of national identity.
Al Mazrouei said: "We extend our sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support of the upcoming championship, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to enhancing heritage events that highlight national identity and foster community engagement with our cultural heritage."
Al Mazrouei also commended the efforts of the organising committee and the collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, as well as all partners and sponsors, in ensuring the success of the championship.
Talal Mustafa Al Hashimi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at ADSC, said: "The championship reflects Abu Dhabi's vision to enhance its status as a global sports and heritage destination. It aims to preserve the UAE's maritime heritage and support traditional fishing sports, promoting values of authenticity, sustainability, and environmental protection.
"The patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscores the leadership’s dedication to preserving national identity, maintaining our rich maritime heritage, and boosting sports, cultural, and heritage tourism across Abu Dhabi."
Saif Saif Al Suwaidi, Board Member and Managing Director of ADMSC, emphasised that the championship is one of Abu Dhabi's premier maritime sports and entertainment events. It significantly contributes to promoting marine fishing sports and organising exceptional events that attract enthusiasts both locally and internationally.
Al Suwaidi said: "The Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club is proud of its extensive experience in organising these championships and consistently strives to uphold the highest standards. This reflects our commitment to developing fishing and marine sports in all forms and ensuring their continuity. Our goal is to host events that enhance Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global sports destination, showcase our organisational capabilities, and support local talents while engaging the community in these unique activities."
The Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship plays a vital role in preserving the UAE’s rich maritime heritage, encouraging younger generations to participate in traditional fishing sports, boosting tourism across various regions of Abu Dhabi, supporting the local economy, and highlighting Abu Dhabi as a global sports and cultural hub.
