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The second round of the Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Fishing Championships has kicked off in Abu Dhabi with a record participation of 242 fishing boats across the general and women’s categories. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the kingfish fishing tournament began on Friday and will continue until February 15, with participants launching from three different locations across the emirate.
Early morning preparations took place at Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club in Abu Dhabi, Al Mirfa City, and Delma Port on Delma Island in Al Dhafra. According to the organizing committee, the general category recorded 221 participants, while the women’s category attracted 21 competitors, demonstrating growing interest in this traditional maritime sport.
Preserving Maritime Heritage Through Kingfish Fishing Championships
Obeid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, stated that the Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championships represent one of the most prominent specialized maritime events. The competition reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserving maritime heritage and enhancing its presence in the sporting and social landscape, he explained.
The championships serve to revive inherited marine fishing traditions and reinforce values of national identity. Al Mazrouei added that the tournaments support participation of fishermen and enthusiasts within organized competitions that embody the spirit of competition and discipline.
Sustainable Fishing Practices and Environmental Conservation
The event also plays a crucial role in raising awareness about sustainable fishing practices and preserving marine resources. This approach aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader objectives of achieving environmental sustainability and safeguarding natural resources for future generations, according to the Heritage Authority.
Additionally, the organizing committee announced that kingfish catches will be submitted during three designated phases on February 8, February 11, and February 15 at Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club. This structured submission process ensures proper monitoring and fair evaluation of all catches throughout the tournament duration.
Prize Distribution and Competition Rules
The prize structure for the kingfish fishing competition offers substantial rewards to top performers in each category. First-place winners will receive 80,000 dirhams, second-place finishers earn 60,000 dirhams, and third-place competitors take home 40,000 dirhams. Rankings are determined based on the highest weight of a single kingfish caught by each participant.
However, strict regulations govern participation to maintain the tournament’s integrity and traditional character. The championships require that fishing be conducted exclusively using fishing rods, and registration is individual with only one participant permitted per boat. Participants must also comply with safety and security requirements approved by relevant authorities.
Transparency and Traditional Values
In contrast to more lenient competitions, these championships mandate comprehensive documentation. Participants must record the entire fishing process on video until the weighing moment to ensure transparency and fairness. Meanwhile, all competitors must adhere to specific instructions and guidelines established for the tournament.
The championships provide a platform that brings together fishermen to revive inherited fishing methods and promote awareness of sustainable fishing. The event encourages community members to practice fishing in ways that reflect authentic Emirati values and traditional practices passed down through generations.
The final submission deadline falls on February 15, when the organizing committee will conclude evaluations and announce winners in both categories. Results and rankings will be determined after all three submission phases are completed and catches are officially weighed and verified.
