The Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship 2024 concluded with a grand ceremony where the winners were crowned by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani. The tournament, held from 19 to 21 April 2024, saw more than 1,500 anglers participating in the largest event of its kind in the region.
Hamad Al Kamali emerged as the champion, reeling in a kingfish weighing 32.69 kg and securing the first-place prize award of AED200,000. Omar Al Buraiki and Muhammad Al Marzooqi claimed the second and third place prizes, receiving AED150,000 and AED100,000 respectively. Participants from Jordan, Oman, and Bahrain were also honored, along with the Emirati women’s Al Namous team and the supporting bodies, sponsors, and partners who contributed to the success of the tournament.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship, organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, aims to preserve traditional competitions that celebrate the UAE’s maritime heritage. More than 360 fishing boats took part in the tournament, with a total of 166 kingfish delivered for weighing by 138 boats. The participants competed for cash prizes totaling AED1 million, making it a highly anticipated event in the marine sports calendar.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his patronage of the championship. He emphasized the importance of promoting sports as part of daily life and reviving marine fishing sports through such events.
The tournament not only encourages UAE Nationals to engage in kingfishing but also provides a platform for the community to practice the sport of fishing, preserve local marine heritage, and foster a spirit of competition among amateurs. The Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship has become a significant marine sporting event, attracting participants from various countries and promoting the rich maritime culture of the region.
As the championship concluded on a high note, His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani thanked all those who contributed to the success of the event, including sponsors, partners, and the organizing committees. He assured the participants and supporters that there are more exciting events to come, promising to continue promoting marine sports and encouraging the community to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.
Overall, the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing the passion for fishing and the commitment to preserving the UAE’s maritime heritage. With the support of key stakeholders and the enthusiasm of participants, the tournament has solidified its position as a premier event in the marine sports calendar, promising even greater achievements in the future.