Dubai Kitesurf Competition

Dubai Kitesurf Competition 2025 officially kicks off today at Dubai Islands organized by the Dubai International Marine Club as part of the club’s sports calendar for 2024–2025.

The highly popular event, which continues to grow in prominence across the UAE’s beach sports scene, brings together an elite group of male and female kitesurfers—both amateurs and professionals—who will compete in one of the most thrilling water sports, combining skill, technique, and the power of the wind to glide across the water's surface.

The registration for this year’s edition witnessed significant turnout, with more than 50 participants set to compete. Among the contenders are renowned national athletes including Mohammed Obaid Al Mansoori, Abdulaziz Al Marzouqi, Khalifa Bin Darwish, and Ahmed Bin Jarsh Al Falasi.

Taking place over two days—Friday and Saturday—the competition will unfold against the stunning backdrop of Dubai Islands, a vibrant destination located off the Deira coastline, offering spectators breathtaking views of Dubai’s iconic skyline. Ideal weather and sea conditions, as confirmed by the organizing committee, promise a perfect setting for the races.

The Dubai Kitesurf Competition 2025 will feature four diverse categories across the two-day event: Twin Tip, Freestyle, Wind Foil, and Hydrofoil, with competitions open to men, women, and youth across various age groups.

Mohammed Al Marri, Director of Sports Affairs at the Dubai International Marine Club, emphasized the importance of the event as one of the key fixtures in the club’s annual sporting calendar.
He stated: “The Dubai Kitesurf Competition attracts over 50 male and female athletes of all age groups who will compete in four exciting categories. Kitesurfing enjoys immense popularity across the UAE and is practiced widely by both Emiratis and residents, many of whom have achieved remarkable accomplishments in the sport.”

Al Marri also highlighted that the competition is now in its eighth consecutive season, having earned a strong reputation both locally and internationally. “The event has attracted a broad mix of talented athletes over the years, including passionate amateurs, local champions, and international stars. Notably, the silver medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, Bosnian kitesurfer Vodisek, previously participated in this competition for several seasons as part of his journey to Olympic success,” he added.

The Dubai Kitesurf Competition continues to strengthen the UAE’s position as a premier destination for marine sports, reflecting the growing appeal of watersports culture in the region and the commitment of the Dubai International Marine Club to promoting active, outdoor lifestyles.

Emirati athlete Mohammed Obaid Al Mansoori (Racer No. 39) stole the spotlight at the Dubai Kitesurf Competition, held successfully last Friday by the Dubai International Marine Club off the coast of The World Islands. The event featured over 70 male and female participants competing in eight categories across four disciplines.

Al Mansoori showcased exceptional talent, clinching gold in the Men’s Twin Tip category, outperforming 26 other competitors. He topped the podium ahead of Anishka Daniel (No. 38) from Sri Lanka in second, and Ahmed Hassan Khalil (No. 7) from Egypt in third. He also earned a silver medal in the Men’s Freestyle category, rounding off a standout performance.

Another highlight for the UAE was the emergence of rising talent Issa Sultan Mohammed Al Ali (Racer No. 1), who made an impressive mark by securing silver in the Junior Freestyle category, behind American competitor Kensky Radoski (No. 10).

The men’s divisions witnessed complete French dominance, with Christophe Vernhet (No. 92) winning the Hydrofoil category ahead of 11 competitors. Pierre Louis Courson (No. 22) topped the Wing Foil division, while Francois Carro (No. 23) clinched first in the Freestyle category.

In the women’s categories, Marta Morlo (No. 4) from Poland claimed gold in the Twin Tip discipline, while Amanda Camille Mariani (No. 14) from France excelled in Freestyle.

The event drew a diverse mix of athletes from the UAE and expatriate communities representing countries such as Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria, Sri Lanka, India, Philippines, Thailand, France, the USA, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Brazil, Spain, the UK, Serbia, Russia, Portugal, Germany, and Italy.

The awards ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Mohammed Abdullah Harib, Board Member and CEO of Dubai International Marine Club, Mohammed Al Marri, Director of Sports and Competitor Affairs, Col. Ali Abdullah Al Naqbi, Deputy Director of the Ports Police Station, Mohammed Abdullah Al Obaidli, Secretary General of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, and Dr. Malav Shroff , President of the Asian Sailing Federation.