Sharjah: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, "Sharjah World Championship Week" officially kicked off today along the shores of Khalid Lagoon. The week includes the final round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship – the "Road to Sharjah" – in its 24th edition, organized by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The event begun today, Friday, December 19, and will run until Sunday, December 21, featuring 20 of the world’s top racers from 10 global teams.
The UIM F1H2O World Powerboat Championship is a series of international single-seat powerboat races. This year, several UAE teams are competing for the title, including the Sharjah Team from the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, currently ranked second in the team standings. Sharjah Team features Canadian racer Rusty Wyatt, ranked fourth in individual standings, Estonian racer Stefan Arand, and Finnish racer Filip Roms.
Also competing is the Abu Dhabi Team from Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, currently ranked fifth in the team standings. The team comprises Rashid Al Qemzi, Mansoor Al Mansoori, and Erik Stark. Meanwhile, Victory Team from the Dubai International Marine Club, is leading the team standings. Victory Team is represented by racers Ahmed Al Fahim, Alec Weckstrom, and Shaun Torrente, who currently tops the individual standings for this season.

His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, stated: "Over more than two decades, 'Sharjah World Championship Week' has embodied the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to enhance and solidify the emirate's presence on the global tourism map. Sharjah has become the preferred destination for water and marine sports champions, cementing its position as a leader in the world of international sports and major events."

He added: "The synergy between sports and tourism has become a driving force for sustainable economic development, supported by advanced infrastructure and robust programs for nurturing local and international talent. This has positively impacted hospitality, revitalized waterfronts and marine destinations, driven economic and commercial growth, and fostered community engagement with the event. Such major events annually contribute to boosting hotel occupancy rates, which reached approximately 69% in Sharjah last year (2024), with 1.6 million hotel guests recorded by year-end."

2025 Season’s Final Round Event Schedule
The season's grand finale, the "Grand Prix of Sharjah," kicked off today, December 19, with traditional free practice sessions featuring all participating boats on Khalid Lagoon's course.
Tomorrow, December 20, marks the second day of the event, featuring the iconic Qualifications in its traditional format. The competition consists of three qualifying stages: the 12 fastest boats from the first stage will advance to the second, while the six fastest boats from the second stage will compete in the finals to determine the fastest time and the pole position for the main race.

On Saturday afternoon, December 20, two sprint races will take place as part of the restructured qualification system. Sprint Race 1 will begin at 3:05 PM, featuring boats with the fastest times from specific positions, followed by Sprint Race 2 at 3:45 PM involving remaining eligible boats. Both races will determine the top 10 starting positions for the main championship race on Sunday.

Sports Driving Sustainability
As part of "Sharjah World Championship Week" 2025, SCTDA launched a tree-planting initiative in Al Muntather Nature Reserve on Thursday, December 18. This initiative aligns with the F1H2O Championship's global plantation program and aims to contribute to environmental sustainability and carbon emission reduction by planting 100 trees in the reserve.

The project was carried out in collaboration with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah and the UIM F1H2O World Championship. It was attended by Sheikh Salem Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of SCTDA, alongside representatives from the UIM F1H2O, SCTDA employees, and championship drivers.