The UAE Is Set To Host Its First Ever Kitesurfing World Cup

The UAE is set to host its first-ever kitesurfing World Cup, with more than 150 athletes taking part in the event. Yes, you read that right!

With Abu Dhabi as the host, the event will mark the first time five watersports will be held in one location

The first-of-its-kind Fahid Island Watersports Festival will be held from October 25 to November 2, 2025. It will feature a world-class sporting programme of Kitesurfing, Wing Foiling, E-Foiling, Wake Foiling, Hydrofoiling and Freestyle, together with interactive community events and family-friendly experiences.

Some of the world’s best watersports athletes will set the stage with high-flying action and freestyle tricks, including jumps, rotations, and board-offs. French star Kylie Belloeuvre, Spain’s Borja Vellon and one of the USA’s leading foiling figures Justin Chait are set to compete in the event.

Emirati kitesurfer Mohammed Al Mansoori and Abu Dhabi-born Fryderyk Szcesny are also among the participants

The event is free for the public. To be held at Fahid Beach, Fahid Island Abu Dhabi, the watersports festival promises to be an iconic celebration of sport, lifestyle, and community, blending world-class competition, live performances, and family activities. Visitors can explore the Athletes Village, shop from local and global brands, and meet both local and international sporting heroes.

The festival will also offer fun-filled activities for families, including beach games, art workshops for kids, and interactive watersport demos for beginners

A thrilling line-up of live performances, DJs, and family entertainment will keep the energy pumping throughout the festival. Meanwhile, food trucks and pop-ups from popular spots like Oro Pizzeria, Seven Dawgs, and House of Pop will serve delicious bites, creating a true festival atmosphere by the beach.

There is a lot in store for sporty peeps too (Think expert guidance for free!). From learning kitesurfing, wingfoiling, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and jet surfing from the best in the business to engaging in GKA Clinics – covering kitesurfing, wingfoiling, e-foiling, and wakeboarding – under the mentorship of world-class athletes, it is going to be a packed two weeks of fun and learning!

The event is open from 1 PM to 6 PM on weekdays and 12 PM to 6 PM on weekends

Competition Schedule

• GKA Kite World Tour will showcase the Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup from October 25 to October 30, 2025 
• GKA Freestyle World Cup Abu Dhabi season opener takes place from October 25 to November 2, 2025
• GWA Wingfoil World Tour takes centre stage for six days from October 28 to November 2, 2025
• SFT Surf Foil World Tour will crown its champions during the SFT E-Foil competition from October 25 to October 26, 2025
• SFT Wake Foil will take place from November 1 to November 2, 2025

The event was officially inaugurated earlier this week by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, at a launch event hosted at Fahid Island, in the presence of athletes, partners and guests.

Important details
Where: Fahid Beach, Fahid Island Abu Dhabi
When: October 25 to November 2, 2025
Time: 1 PM to 6 PM (weekdays), 12 PM to 6 PM (weekends)
Ticket: Free entry

Also follow GKA and GWA for more details!