Sharjah24: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the "Sharjah World Championships Week" will kick off on Friday on Khalid Lake. This event includes the "Sharjah Grand Prix," the final round of the 23rd season of the Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship, organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, running from Friday to next Sunday, featuring 19 of the world's brightest stars.
During a press conference held on Thursday at the Sharjah Academy of Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority revealed the details of "Sharjah World Championships Week," attended by Khalid Jassim Al-Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Hamid Al-Kindi, Board Member of the Sharjah International Marine Club, Nicola de San Germano, global promoter of Formula 1 powerboat racing, along with several participating racers and representatives from local and international media.
The "Sharjah Grand Prix" will see top global stars competing for the season-ending title, aiming to secure both speed and overall championship titles this coming Saturday and Sunday.
The Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship features a series of global races for single-seater powerboats. Several teams from the UAE are competing for the championship title this year, including the Sharjah team from the Sharjah International Marine Club, featuring Canadian racer Rasti White, ranked second, and Finnish racer Philip Roms. The Abu Dhabi team is represented by racers Rashed Al-Qemzi and Thani Al-Qemzi from the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, alongside the Victory team from the Dubai International Marine Club with racers Ahmed Al-Fahim and Eric Stark.
Khalid Jassim Al-Midfa emphasised the vital role Sharjah plays in supporting marine sports and hosting events that have a significant impact on the global sports scene. He pointed out that the emirate is home to numerous exceptional tourist attractions, making it one of the most important global tourist destinations.
He explained that sports tourism is a key pillar of global economies, representing about 10% of the international tourism sector, with expectations that this percentage will rise to 17% by 2030. He concluded by thanking the UAE Marine Sports Federation for its ongoing support in making this unique global event a success.
For his part, Hamid Al-Kindi stated that hosting this global event in Sharjah provides an opportunity for Emirati talents to participate in these sports and prove their presence on the global platforms, as the club boasts world champions we take pride in. He highlighted the importance of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority's role in supporting this event, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi.
Nicola de San Germano, the global promoter of Formula 1 powerboat racing, expressed his immense happiness and gratitude to all those involved in organising this distinguished sporting event, extending special thanks to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi for his continuous support of this unique global event.
San Germano noted the rapid growth that the UAE is witnessing, making it a point of admiration for many around the world. He also expressed his delight in participating in the afforestation initiative in the Al-Muntathar area, which emphasises the integration of sports tourism and environmental preservation.
The Role of Sports in Supporting the Environment
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority organised an afforestation initiative in the Muntathar Reserve as part of the "Sharjah World Championships Week" 2024. This initiative aligns with the global afforestation program advocated by the International Formula 1 Powerboat Federation. Today (Thursday), 100 trees were planted.
The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority, the International Formula 1 Powerboat Federation "UIM F1 H2O," the Al-Bataih Municipality, and the Sharjah Police, involved the participation of Khalid Jassim Al-Madfa, Head of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Nicola de San Germano, global promoter of Formula 1 powerboat racing, and several representatives from the Sharjah International Marine Club and racers participating in the "Sharjah Grand Prix."
Sponsors and Partners
The organisation of the "Sharjah Round" for the Sharjah World Championships Week is in collaboration with a number of sponsors and partners who play a vital role in the success of this global event. The list of sponsors includes strategic partners such as the Sharjah International Marine Club, the UAE Marine Sports Federation, as well as the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, the Sharjah Police, the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, the Sharjah Municipality, the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, the Sharjah Civil Defense Authority, Sharjah International Airport, the BEEAH, and the Sharjah Volunteer Center. Additionally, the medical partner is NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah, the media sponsor is Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and the hospitality partners include Copthorne Hotel Sharjah, Corniche Hotel Sharjah, and Golden Tulip.
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