Under patronage of Hamdan bin Zayed, Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championships to take place in Abu Dhabi

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is organising the Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championships from January to March 2026.

The championships will be held across three locations, featuring six competitions, three for men and three for women, with a total of 135 prizes exceeding AED2 million in value. For each location, the authority has allocated 45 prizes, including 40 prizes for the general category and five prizes for the women’s category. Participation is open to citizens, residents, and visitors, with fishing permitted exclusively within the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The total prize value for the first station is AED551,000, including AED382,000 for the general category and AED169,000 for the women’s category. The second station offers prizes totalling AED677,000, with AED447,000 allocated to the general category and AED230,000 to the women’s category. Prizes for the third station total AED832,000, including AED527,000 for the general category and AED305,000 for the women’s category.

The authority has set rod-and-reel fishing as the sole permitted method across all locations, with no alternative methods allowed. Winners will be determined by the single heaviest kingfish caught. Registration is limited to individual participation, with one angler allowed on each boat.

The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority emphasised that the terms and conditions for participation in the championship strictly mandate adherence to all security and safety requirements in accordance with the national rules and regulations, specifically those set by the National Guard and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, participants are required to film a video documenting the entire process of the catch, from the initial hook-up of the fish up to the moment it is officially weighed. These requirements, along with other instructions specified by the authority, are set to ensure the championship proceeds within a framework of integrity and transparency.

The organisation of the Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championships aims to enhance awareness of the importance of maritime heritage and preserve the traditional fishing legacy, which represents an authentic element of Emirati identity. It also seeks to promote awareness of the necessity for protecting and sustaining marine life by educating participants on the regulations governing Kingfish fishing. The championship also endeavours to inspire a competitive spirit among participants, encourage the use of traditional fishing methods, support and expand women's participation in fishing competitions, and solidify Abu Dhabi's status as a leading regional and global destination for traditional marine fishing.