Sharjah24: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, the Sharjah World Championship Week begins tomorrow (Friday) in the emirate’s picturesque Khalid Lagoon. The finals of the world’s premier single-seater powerboat racing event will see 21 drivers competing for top spots to claim the “UIM F1H2O” World Championship title at the coveted Sharjah Grand Prix.

In a press conference held on Thursday, the event’s host, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) unveiled the exciting details of the Sharjah leg of the international championship, which is being organised by the authority. The press conference was held in the presence of HE Khaled Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA; Humaid Khalfan Al Kindi, a Board Member of Sharjah International Marine Sports Club; Nicolo Di San Germano, UIM F1 H2O promoter; racers; and media representatives.

The final rounds of the Sharjah Grand Prix, set to take place Saturday and Sunday (December 9 - 10), will witness an exhilarating contest between elite world-class drivers. 

Three local teams in the finals 

The UAE proudly boasts 3 out of 10 competing teams, including the Abu Dhabi Team, comprising American Sean Torrente (Boat 1), Emirati Thani Al Qamzi (Boat 2), and Rashid Al Qamzi (Boat 5). Dutchman Ferdinand Zandbergen (Boat 12) and Finn Sami Selio Boat 11) represent the Sharjah Team. Meanwhile, the Victory Team consists of Emirati Ahmed Al Fahim (Boat 3) and Swedish Eric Stark (Boat 4).

His Excellency Khaled Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, stated that Sharjah has been bringing together world champions and marine sport enthusiasts for 22 years in one place, which translates the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to boost the emirate's global tourism appeal.

“According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sports tourism is a fundamental pillar as it is one of the fastest-growing sectors in tourism, accounting for about 10% of global tourism spending, with a projected growth rate of 17.5 per cent between 2023-2030. Therefore, this championship represents a great opportunity for Sharjah to strengthen its global reputation as a distinctive destination, hosting major events throughout the year, promoting the emirate's attractiveness and capabilities that support various vital sectors and the national economy,” the The Chairman further stated. 

For his part, Humaid Al Kindi, Board Member of Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, said: "Organising this international event alongside our strategic partner, SCDTA, aligns with the emirate's successful and ongoing efforts to develop Sharjah as a preferred global destination for tourism and sports. At the same time, this event aims to encourage more Emirati and Arab youth to invest their potential in marine sports and achieve excellence in this field.”

During the press conference, Nicolo Di San Germano, UIM F1 H2O promoter, expressed his deep admiration for the massive advancement Sharjah has achieved in its overall quality hosting this championship for 22 years, and thanked the Ruler of Sharjah for ensuring that the utmost care was taken to design a befitting championship finale.

Germano added: “The UAE is a strategic partner for major global tournaments, especially marine sports. Sharjah has become a destination for champions and serves as a leader in accelerating the pace of the championship's success, year after year. Furthermore, the outcome of our partnership with Sharjah has yielded extremely positive environmental results too. We are working together on initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and make marine sports more sustainable.”

The Sharjah World Championship Week is proudly sponsored by Sharjah Electricity Water & Gas Authority, Sharjah City Municipality, Sharjah Police, Sharjah Road and Transport Authority, Sharjah Civil Defense, Sharjah Airport Authority, Beeah, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), and Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority. The event is also supported by NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah (Medical sponsor) and Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (Media sponsor), along with strategic partners UAE Marine Sports Federation, Sharjah International Marine Sports Club (SIMSC), and hospitality partners Copthorne Hotel Sharjah, Corniche Hotel Sharjah, and Golden Tulip.