Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC)brings together Kitesurfing enthusiasts once again in Dubai Islands for the second round of the Dubai Kitesurf Open which will be held this weekend, Saturday & Sunday.
DIMC has been organizing this race for the sixth consecutive season now under UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation (UAESARF) headed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, and in cooperation with the Emirates Kiteboarding Association Committee (EKA).
It is expected to be a tough competition in the two-day event this weekend with the country's elite male & female participants competing for four different categories: Twin Tip, Freestyle, Hydrofoil & Wing Foil, the new category added this year.
Mohammed Al Marri, the Director of Sports Affairs at DIMC said that the Dubai Kitesurf Open has been one of the important events organized by the club since it attracts the kite surfing enthusiast to actively participate in the competition, as well as it opens the way for the residence from beginners – professional to join & practice this sports in one of the country’s stunning place.
He acknowledges the development of these sports since then, and for the first time to include in the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 with Hydrofoil Category. The first round has been a huge success for the club gathering a huge number of participants from locals to residents residing in the country.
Sameh Elsagir, the Technical Director of EKA said that for the past five seasons and now currently in the sixth season, this sport has gained huge popularity among the residents of the countries thru launching the fourth category Wing Foil in addition to Hydrofoil, Twin Tip & Free Style.
Elsagir revealed that the timing & dates of the two rounds for the Dubai Kitesurf Open have benefited the national team in preparation for the Qatar International Championship which recently concluded as a station for world ranking in Free Style Category. While this weekend the competition will focus on the elite male & female participants aiming for the top three positions in each category.
Schedule
- Saturday, 18 February : Hydrofoil & Wing foil
- Sunday, 19 February: Twin Tip & Free Style