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 19 drivers competing for top spots to claim the “UIM F1H2O” World Championship title at the coveted Sharjah Grand Prix.

In a press conference held today (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 7 - 8), will witness an exhilarating contest between elite world-class drivers.

The UIM F1H2O World Championship includes a series of international races for single-seater powerboats. From the United Arab Emirates, several teams are competing for the championship title this year, including the Sharjah Team from the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, which features Canadian Rusty Wyatt, ranked second, and Finnish driver Filip Roms. The Abu Dhabi Team is also participating with racers Rashed Al Qemzi and Thani Al Qamzi from the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club. Additionally, the Victory Team from the Dubai International Marine Club is competing with racers Ahmad Al Fahim and Erik Stark.

H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, emphasized Sharjah's pivotal role in supporting marine sports and hosting events that resonate globally in the sports sector. He highlighted Sharjah's exceptional tourist attractions, which have cemented its status as one of the exceptional global tourism destinations.

Al Midfa stated that sports tourism is a critical pillar of global economies, contributing approximately 10% of the international tourism sector, with forecasts suggesting this figure will rise to 17% by 2030. He concluded by extending his gratitude to the UAE Marine Sports Federation for their continued support in ensuring the success of this global event.

For his part, Humaid Al Kindi, Board Member of Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, expressed pride in Sharjah's hosting of this global event, which provides Emirati talents with opportunities to showcase their abilities on international platforms. He acknowledged SCTDA's instrumental role in supporting this event 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

Nicolo di San Germano, UIM F1 H2O promoter, voiced his gratitude to all involved in organizing this distinguished event. He extended special thanks to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council for his continued support.

San Germano highlighted the rapid growth witnessed by the United Arab Emirates, which has made it a source of admiration for many around the world. He also expressed his delight in participating in the tree-planting initiative in the Al Muntather area, emphasizing the integration between sports tourism and environmental conservation.

Environmental Initiatives

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) organized a tree-planting initiative at Al Muntather Nature Reserve as part of the "Sharjah World Championship Week" 2024. This initiative aligns with and supports the global tree-planting program adopted by the UIM F1H2O World Championship, during which 100 trees were planted today (Thursday).

The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority, the UIM F1H2O, Al Bataeh Municipality, and Sharjah Police, was attended by H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, H.E. Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Mr. Nicolo di San Germano, UIM F1 H2O promoter, along with representatives from the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club and participants in the "Sharjah Grand Prix".

Sponsors and Partners

The event is proudly supported by strategic partners, including the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, the UAE Marine Sports Federation, and others such as Sharjah Ports, Customs, and Free Zones Authority; Sharjah Police; Sharjah Electricity Water & Gas Authority (SEWA); Sharjah City Municipality; Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority; Sharjah Civil Defense Authority; Sharjah Airport Authority; Beeah; and Sharjah center for volunteers services. The event is also supported by NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah (Medical sponsor). Media support is provided by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, with hospitality partners including Copthorne Hotel Sharjah, Corniche Hotel Sharjah, and Golden Tulip.

-ENDS-