Sultan bin Ahmed honours Al Sharqiya Kalba Rowing winners

Championship overview

The three-day championship, organised by Al Sharqiya Channel in collaboration with Sharjah Sports Channel and Sharjah Marine Sports Club, was marked by excitement, energy, and strong participation. A total of 477 sailors competed on 53 boats from across the UAE and other Gulf countries, with competitors participating in two stages across two categories. The competition attracted significant official and public attention.

Ceremony and visual presentation

The honouring ceremony began with a visual presentation showcasing the launch of the championship and highlighting the energetic atmosphere that surrounded the event. His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi then honoured the tournament sponsors and strategic partners from various government agencies for their support.

Kingfish Fishing Competition winners

His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah also honoured the winners of the various competitions. In the Kingfish Fishing Competition, the winners were:

• First place: Abdul Rahim Rashid Al Zayoudi on the boat Tofan
• Second place: Saif Sultan Rashid Al Shakhsi Al Zaabi on the boat Aber Al Mawaj
• Third place: Saeed Rashid Al Shakhsi on the boat Fath Al Khair
• Largest Kingfish: Jamal Mohammed Abdullah Othman Al Naqbi on the boat Al Wahsh

Yoder-Tuna Fishing Category winners

In the Yoder-Tuna Fishing Category, the following winners were honoured:

• First place: Naif Saeed Saif Al Naqbi on the boat Jumeirah
• Second place: Ibrahim Saif Rashid Al Naqbi on the boat Al Ahoub
• Third place: Jamal Rashid Al Naqbi on the boat Rabih
• Largest Yoder-Tuna fish: Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Al Saadi on the boat Al Hashemi
  

Rowing Competition winners – GCC Citizens Category

In the open category rowing competition for GCC citizens, the winners were:

• First place: Captain Hamid bin Salem bin Hamid Al Bahri from Oman on the boat Balarab
• Second place: Captain Jaber Mohammed Jaber from the UAE on the boat Barq
• Third place: Captain Ahmed Ibrahim Al Falasi from the UAE on the boat Gold 1

Rowing Competition winners – Citizens Category

In the citizens category of the rowing competition, the winners were:

• First place: Captain Hamid Faris Saeed Al Masmari on the boat Al Yah
• Second place: Captain Salem Saeed Obaid Al Kandari on the boat Wadi Sahm
• Third place: Captain Nasser Ghasib Al Masmari on the boat Al Yah 2

Commemorative Gifts and Closing Remarks

His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah presented Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Ruler's Office in Kalba, with a commemorative gift from the championship’s organising committee. Additionally, His Highness received a special souvenir in recognition of his attendance and for honouring the closing ceremony and the winners of the championship.

Exhibition visit

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, toured the exhibition held alongside the championship. The exhibition featured several unique contributions within the heritage village, showcasing various sections that highlighted marine life and traditional crafts, including the making of gargoor and shosh. It also offered a range of activities and workshops specially designed for children.

Marine exhibition and traditional performances
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His Highness also visited the marine exhibition, which featured detailed information about diving suits, marine plants, and more. He toured the Hamid Ali Al Zaabi Marine Museum at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage pavilion, as well as the Fishermen's Association pavilion. His Highness and the attendees enjoyed a tug-of-war demonstration, part of a traditional fish auction, and a variety of children's games. The event also featured traditional artistic performances, including marine chants, Al Ayala, Liwa bands, and the war band, all of which are vital elements of Emirati culture.

Championship’s purpose and impact
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The championship, which is added to the distinguished competitions and ancient heritage sports in the region, aims to promote traditional marine sports in general and rowing in particular, and to enhance its practice as one of the most beloved sports in the Emirates. It also aims to ensure its continuity across generations, highlight the ancient heritage of the Eastern Region, provide a unique experience for the public and marine sports enthusiasts, and emphasize the tourism aspect of the region.

Attendees of the closing ceremony
​The closing ceremony of the championship was attended by Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Ruler's Office in Kalba; Dr Obaid Saif Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Kalba Municipal Council; Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Sharjah Media Council; a number of directors of television and sports channels, representatives of sponsoring companies, and a number of media representatives.