UAE Kayak Boats Fishing Championship - Round 1

Jumeirah Beach is set to host an exceptional sporting event today – Saturday – with the launch of Dubai Watersports Day 2025, organized by the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) as part of the ongoing season 2024-2025. The event will feature three diverse competitions that attract fans, enthusiasts, and professional athletes from modern Olympic water sports and fishing communities.

Dubai  Watersports Day 2025 will showcase three exciting disciplines, including two Olympic-class races held under the umbrella of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation (UAESARF). The first is the UAE Rowing Championship, and the second is the UAE Modern Sailing Championship. Additionally, the kayak fishing enthusiasts will compete in the first round of the UAE Fishing Championship.

The action kicks off with Rowing , bringing together a large number of competitors from various sports clubs, marine institutions, and national teams.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Modern Sailing Race (the second round of the UAE Champion Series 2025) also begins today – Saturday – and will continue through Sunday. The competition will see over 150 sailors from marine clubs and academies, along with participants from GCC countries.

Fans can expect an intense battle across 14 different rowing categories during the first round of the UAE Rowing Championship. Races will take place in two sessions, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The championship will feature top national team athletes, as well as professional and amateur rowers from prominent clubs, including Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, Al Hamriyah Cultural and Sports Club, Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation, Dubai Police, New York University – Abu Dhabi, and Monte Rowing Academy.

At the same time, Jumeirah Beach will be adorned with white sails as the second round of the Modern Sailing Series gets underway. This event will feature various sailing categories, including K7, K6, K4, Optimist, and SB20 team races, with SB20 making its debut in the championship this year.

Additionally, kayak fishing enthusiasts will compete from the early morning until 4:00 PM, with participants vying for the biggest catch and the highest total weight of eligible catch fish.

A Grand Festival

Mohammed Saif Al Marri, Director of Sports Affairs and Competitor Relations at DIMC, welcomed all participants and highlighted the significance of Dubai Watersports Day, which aligns with the declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Community". He emphasized that the event is not just about competition but also serves as a platform to promote marine heritage through the Zayed Marine Museum Pavilion, the Traditional Food Corner, and the Sailing Experience Center, where spectators can learn about modern sailing.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the event will feature live performances by the Dubai Police Band and special surprises for attendees.

Rashid Mohammed Abdullah Masoud Al Kaabi, competitor No. 8, secured first place in the overall category of the UAE Kayak Fishing Competition, organized by the Dubai International Marine Club as part of Dubai Watersports Day 2025.

Al Kaabi topped the rankings with a total fish weight of 7.5 kg, surpassing second-place finisher, competitor No. 10, Indian national Monis Zahgeer (6.2 kg), and third-place winner, competitor No. 12, Filipino national Ryan Vasquez (5 kg).

In the Heaviest Catch Category, competitor No. 14, Filipino national Den Mark Alulod, claimed victory with a 13 kg cobia fish, securing the title in the first round of the UAE Championship 2025. He outperformed competitor No. 21, Bangladeshi national Mohammad Ataur Rahman (second place), and competitor No. 5, Filipino national Andrew Sorianosos (third place).

The UAE Kayak Boat Fishing Championship witnessed an impressive turnout, with more than 60 competitors gathering at Jumeirah Public Beach to compete throughout the day. Participants returned with their catches, and the final results were confirmed after thorough assessments.

The awards ceremony was attended by Mohammed Abdullah Harib, Board Member and Executive Director of the Dubai International Marine Club, alongside Mohammed Abdullah Al Obaidli, Secretary-General of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, and Mohammed Al Marri, Director of the Sports and Competitor Affairs Department. They presented medals to the top finishers in both the Overall and Heaviest Catch categories.

Recognition of Event Sponsors

During the ceremony, Mohammed Abdullah Harib also presented a commemorative shield to Sayaf Marine, one of the event's sponsors, in appreciation of its continued support for the club's activities. Khalifa Ibrahim Al Hammadi accepted the award on behalf of Sayaf Marine, which contributed valuable prizes for the top three winners in each category.

Winners of the Overall Category – Dubai Kayak Fishing Competition

🏆 1st Place – Rashid Al Kaabi
🥈 2nd Place – Monis Zahgeer
🥉 3rd Place – Ryan Vasquez

Winners of the Heaviest Catch Category

🏆 1st Place – Den Mark Alulod  
🥈 2nd Place – Mohammad Ataur Rahman
🥉 3rd Place – Andrew Sorianosos

The Dubai Kayak Fishing Competition continues to highlight the city's vibrant maritime sports scene, bringing together skilled anglers from diverse backgrounds in a thrilling test of skill and endurance.