UAE: Abu Dhabi hosts first Kite World Cup with over 150 elite athletes at Fahid Island

Abu Dhabi is set to make waves in the world of watersports as it hosts the first-ever Kite World Cup as part of the Fahid Island Watersports Festival, running from October 25 to November 2. The event will see more than 150 elite athletes from across the globe competing in a series of high-octane watersports competitions, alongside community activities and live entertainment.

A landmark launch for watersports in the UAE

The Fahid Island Watersports Festival officially kicked off with a launch ceremony attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al-Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation , alongside athletes, partners, and special guests. The festival, organized in collaboration with Aldar , Abu Dhabi Sports Council , and AD Ports Group , positions Abu Dhabi as a rising global hub for watersports.

Set against the backdrop of turquoise waters and pristine coastline, the festival brings together a world-class sporting program , featuring disciplines such as:

• Kitesurfing
• Wing foiling
• E-foiling
• Wake foiling
• Hydrofoiling
• Freestyle surfing

Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the festival’s significance, stating that hosting this global event underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing stature in international watersports and offers a platform to showcase both local and international talent.

Star studded athlete lineup

The competition will feature some of the world’s most accomplished watersports athletes, delivering spectacular high-flying stunts including jumps, rotations, and board-offs. Notable participants include:

• Kylie Belloeuvre (France) – renowned for freestyle expertise
• Borja Vellon (Spain) – a top contender in foiling events
• Justin Chait (USA) – a leading figure in foiling competitions
• Mohammed Al-Mansoori (UAE) – representing Emirati talent
• Fryderyk Szczesny (Polish national, Abu Dhabi resident) – aiming for a season-best performance

Emirati athlete Al-Mansoori expressed his readiness to compete alongside top international competitors, noting that the team has undergone significant preparation to achieve strong results.

Public engagement and festival experience

The festival is open to the public with free entry, allowing spectators to explore the Athletes’ Village, enjoy live entertainment, and sample culinary offerings from food trucks. Watersports enthusiasts can also participate in activities such as kitesurfing, wing foiling, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and jet surfing, all under professional guidance. A retail boardwalk will provide shopping and lifestyle experiences for visitors, blending sporting excitement with leisure and family-friendly fun.

Competition schedule

The Fahid Island Watersports Festival hosts a packed schedule of international competitions:

• GKA Kite World Tour – Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup: Oct. 25–30
• GKA Freestyle World Cup Abu Dhabi (Season Opener): Oct. 25–Nov. 2
• GWA Wingfoil World Tour: Oct. 28–Nov. 2
• SFT Surf Foil World Tour (E-Foil Competition): Oct. 25–26
• SFT Wake Foil: Nov. 1–2

These events mark Abu Dhabi’s first hosting of such a comprehensive global watersports festival, combining high-level competition with public engagement, live shows, and interactive experiences.