Wakeboarding in the UAE will be given a major boost next week once when the countrys initial ever international team competes against the worlds best on a spectacular stage in national capital.

The six-man UAE team, together with two Emirati brothers, was announced today by Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC), that hosts the 2019 IWWF World Wakeboard Championships happening from 19-23 November.

The team is captained by Khaled Subaa who takes part in the Open Mens category at the side of Omeir Saeed. His younger brother, Ahmed Saeed, lines up within the 14 & Under Boys category with Hamed Al Belooshi and Mohamed Al Belooshi, whereas Ahmed Al Remeithi competes in the Junior 18 & Under Mens event.

ADIMSC and therefore the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation, the sports governing body, are working along to create a excellent event venue both for competitors and spectators at the Eastern Mangroves Promenade.

The organisers believe the event, primarily based at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, can produce a giant surge of interest in wakeboarding and establish the UAE capital in concert of the sports leading international destinations.

The arrival of the global championships in Abu Dhabi for the primary time coincides perfectly with the opening of our new wakeboard academy, said Salem Al Remeithi, General Manager of ADIMSC.
Were operating closely with the IWWF to form a centre of excellence here for towed water sports which is able to facilitate individuals the least bit levels of ability to develop their skills and knowledge of the sport.

IWWF Executive Director Paul Fong said: Abu Dhabi has created an excellent stage for the IWWF Wakeboard Worlds, and were trying to excite the kids and draw a generation of young people into wakeboarding.

For any sport to grow it wants native heroes, and the creation of a UAE team may be a huge step during this direction. The message to all young and established water sports enthusiasts and their friends come to watch and engage with the worlds best in Abu Dhabi next week.

More than 150 riders from 31 countries will compete for IWWF World Wakeboard Championships in ten age-group categories for both men and women, as well as the team overall title. The Open Mens & Womens categories offer a cash purse of USD50,000.

After three days of official practice starting on Saturday, qualifying takes place next Tuesday
followed by the official opening ceremony at 5pm. Four days of competition starting on Wednesday
morning is rounded off on Saturday by medal ceremonies and a closing ceremony and awards
dinner at Al Khatim Desert.

Captions:

1. Khaled Subaa - captains the first UAE team in the IWWF World Wakeboard Championships

2. Omeir Saeed ready for world championship action in Abu Dhabi alongside his younger brother