Emirati Racers Claim Four Medals as Emirates Motosurf Championship Begins
The opening round of the championship concluded at Abu Dhabi Breakwater, with local talent securing a clean sweep in the Rookies category and strong performances across the five divisions.
The waters of Abu Dhabi Breakwater witnessed spirited competition as the Emirates Motosurf Championship opened its 2026 season, drawing thirty competitors across five categories in a weekend of intense racing. The event, organised by Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, saw Emirati racers secure four podium finishes, establishing themselves among the international field that converged on the capital.
The Rookies category proved a moment of particular pride for the UAE, with all three podium positions claimed by local talent. Obaid Saeed Al Hameli led the charge with 25 points, followed by Saeed Mohammed Al Hameli in second place with 20 points, while Abdullah Ahmed Al Kaabi secured the bronze medal position with 16 points. This clean sweep reflected the depth of emerging Emirati talent in the sport.
Across the remaining categories, international racers demonstrated formidable skill. Slovakia’s Sara Michaela Zuborova distinguished herself with victories in both the Junior and Women’s divisions, each achieved with a perfect score of 50 points. In the Challenger category, Czech racers commanded all three podium positions, with Lukas Schneider claiming first place on 50 points, followed by Matthias Parvik with 40 points and Jan Matouska with 32 points.
The Masters division saw Czech racer Matthias Novotny emerge victorious with 50 points. In the Women’s category, after Zuborova’s victory, Czech competitor Mariana Navarova finished second with 40 points, whilst the UAE’s Hessa Hamad Al Qubaisi claimed the bronze medal with 32 points.
Overall, Emirati competitors secured four of the championship’s fifteen podium positions, demonstrating the strength of local motosurf racing. The event reflected the international calibre of participation, as Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club hosted competitors from nine countries for what has become a key fixture in the sporting calendar.
The winners were honoured by Thani Al Qemzi, Executive Director of Team Abu Dhabi and Modern Sports at Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, alongside Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club Academy; Jumaa Al Qubaisi, Team Abu Dhabi Supervisor; and Ahmed Al Taher, General Supervisor of the Race.
What it means for Abu Dhabi
The opening round reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a destination for marine sports excellence. The championship demonstrates the effectiveness of the club’s commitment to developing modern marine sports and nurturing both emerging and established talent through competitive events that bring national racers together with international competitors.
The strong performance by Emirati racers, particularly the sweep of the Rookies category, signals encouraging progress in building a sustained pipeline of local talent. As the championship season continues, these early results showcase the calibre of preparation and training available to UAE athletes in Abu Dhabi.
Source: WAM