The first round of the UAE Int’l Aquabike Championship – Dubai kicks off today which is organized by Dubai International Marine Club as part of the 2024-2025 season in Sunrise beach until tomorrow Saturday.

Up to 70 competitors representing several countries are competing in for the titles of 10 different categories, including four in the Runabout division: GP1, GP2, GP3, and GP4 (Spark). The Ski Division features six categories: GP1, GP2, Veterans GP2 (2-Stroke), and Ski Junior GP3 (3.3, 3.2, 3.1 - Slalom).

The sounds of jet ski engines roared early today, Friday, at Sunrise Beach, the event site adorned in vibrant colors, welcoming competitors and audience. The morning was dedicated to official practice sessions for all participating categories, allowing competitors to test their readiness before entering the official stages, which are set to begin in the evening.

The official competition will commence at 2 PM today with the first round of four categories: Runabout GP3, Veterans GP2, Runabout GP4, and Ski GP4. Competitions in these categories will conclude tomorrow, Saturday, with the second round.

The excitement  is on for the remaining stages tomorrow where Participants will showcase their skills during the morning and afternoon sessions across 10 categories, in a promising intense competition.

The registration process for the race witnessed significant turnout, closing yesterday, Thursday, with approximately 70 competitors confirmed. These include UAE champions, competitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, as well as participants from the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Hungary.

Mohammed Abdullah Hareb Al Falahi, Board Member and Executive Director of the Dubai International Marine Club, welcomed the participants to this major international event, which gathers the most skilled aquabike racers.

Harib stated: "We are delighted at the Dubai International Marine Club to begin the new year, 2025, with a prestigious event like this, which marks the opening round of the UAE International Championship. We have worked to make this a unique festival by enhancing competition opportunities and extending the races over two days, ensuring both the audience and racers can enjoy the experience."

He added that DIMC events always bring something new, and this time, it is the introduction of an innovative category, Ski GP4 (4-Stroke). This initiative aims to increase participation in the sport and provide opportunities to discover new talent, as the event unites elite professionals and amateurs across various age groups.