For the first time, the waters of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, in Al Khobar, will host a round of the prestigious UIM XCAT World Championship: the Alsharqiyah Grand Prix, from November 21st to 23rd, 2024. This historic event marks a milestone moment for the championship as it brings the excitement of XCAT racing to Saudi Arabia.
This achievement is made possible through the support and collaboration of the Saudi Water Sports & Diving Federation (SWSDF), which recently became a full member of the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM). Their commitment to promoting water sports excellence has been instrumental in bringing this world-class event to Saudi shores.
This highly anticipated event marks a pivotal moment in the championship as the penultimate round before the Grand Finale in Dubai this December, where the World Champion will be crowned.
A Tight Race to the Top
Ten teams are gearing up for the competition, with championship standings revealing an intense battle for supremacy:
-1st Place: Boat no. 2, Swecat Racing (192 points) led by Swedish pilot Sebastian Groth and Norwegian Erik Sundblad Johansen.
-2nd Place: Boat no. 96, HPI Fujairah Racing Team (155 points), manned by Italian brothers Rosario and Giuseppe Schiano di Cola.
-3rd Place: Boat no. 7, Victory Team (137 points), featuring Emirati duo Salem Al Adidi and Eisa Al Ali.
With only a narrow gap separating the top contenders, the Al Khobar stage is set to play a decisive role in shaping the final standings and bringing teams closer to the coveted world title.
A Celebration of Speed and Innovation
The UIM XCAT World Championship is a showcase of speed, skill, and cutting-edge innovation.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Al Khobar, a city that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition, the Alsharqiyah Grand Prix promises an unforgettable weekend of adrenaline-pumping action and high-stakes competition.
Text and Photo Credits: UIM XCat World Championship 2024
