UAE Water Sports Events & Competitions 2026
The 2026 UAE Water Sports Calendar
Whether you're a competitor, a spectator, or just looking for organised community sessions, the UAE's water sports event calendar has something for everyone. Here's our guide to the key events and competitions happening across the Emirates in 2026.
Note: Dates are subject to confirmation. Always check with event organisers closer to the date.
January – March 2026 (Peak Surf Season)
UAE Surf Open — Fujairah
When: January 17–19, 2026 Where: Sandy Beach, Fujairah What: The UAE's longest-running surf competition, now in its 11th year. Open divisions for men, women, under-18s, and longboard. Registration opens online in December. Entry fee: AED 150 (competitive divisions) Spectator entry: Free
East Coast Kite Classic
When: February 7–8, 2026 Where: Fujairah / Dibba Beach What: Kitesurfing competition and community gathering on the East Coast. This event doubles as a social — there's a beach BBQ on Saturday night. Format: Freestyle and downwind racing Entry fee: AED 200
RAK Dive Day
When: March 14–15, 2026 Where: Al Hamra Beach, Ras Al Khaimah What: Organised diving day with two guided boat dives per participant. Proceeds support the UAE Coral Reef Restoration Project. Cost: AED 450 per person (includes dives, boat, equipment)
April – September 2026 (Shamal Season)
Dubai Kite Beach Festival
When: May 23–25, 2026 Where: Kite Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai What: The UAE's biggest kite sports event — a 3-day festival combining kitesurfing demos, competitions (freestyle and big air), kite buggy racing, and beach activities for families. Headline performances from international riders. Spectator entry: Free
UAE Kitesurfing League — Round 1
When: June 14, 2026 Where: Al Hamriyah Beach, Sharjah What: First round of the 4-event UAE Kitesurfing League. Points accumulate toward an annual championship. Entry fee: AED 250 per round / AED 750 full season
UAE Kitesurfing League — Round 2
When: July 12, 2026 Where: Al Hamra Beach, RAK
UAE Kitesurfing League — Round 3
When: August 9, 2026 Where: Ajman Open Beach
Windsurfing Blastathon
When: September 6, 2026 Where: Abu Dhabi (Al Bateen Beach) What: An informal, non-competitive windsurfing gathering. Sessions run from dawn to dusk, with prizes for distances covered. All levels welcome. Cost: AED 50 participation fee (includes breakfast and lunch)
October – December 2026 (Transition & Winter Season)
UAE Kitesurfing League — Final Round & Championship
When: October 11, 2026 Where: Dubai Kite Beach What: Final round of the 2026 League, followed by the annual awards ceremony and beach party.
Musandam Liveaboard Dive Trip
When: November 7–9, 2026 Where: Musandam fjords (Oman — UAE residents only, no visa required) What: A 3-day liveaboard dive trip exploring the spectacular Musandam fjords, organised by RAK Watersports Centre in partnership with a licensed Omani dive operator. Cost: AED 1,950 per person (all inclusive — dives, food, cabin) Places: Limited to 16 participants Booking: Contact RAK Watersports Centre
East Coast Surf Comp — Season Opener
When: December 6–7, 2026 Where: Fujairah What: First surf competition of the 2026/27 winter surf season. Open and amateur divisions.
Community Sessions & Regular Meet-Ups
Beyond formal competitions, the UAE water sports community runs regular informal sessions:
Dubai Kite Beach Social — Every Friday morning (6–10am) during Shamal season. Meetup point near the kite school. All levels.
East Coast Surf Sessions — Community WhatsApp group organises car shares and session meetups throughout winter surf season. Contact the Fujairah Surf Club to join.
UAQ Lagoon Learning Sessions — Monthly beginner kitesurfing community sessions at Umm Al Quwain, typically held first Saturday of each month (Oct–Apr).
Musandam Dive Club — Informal dive club running monthly overnight trips to Musandam. Contact via the UAE Diving Facebook group.
How to Stay Updated
The best ways to stay on top of UAE water sports events:
- Follow UAE Surfing on Instagram for event announcements and conditions reports
- Join the UAE Kite Riders and UAE Surf Community Facebook groups
- Sign up for our newsletter below for monthly event round-ups
- Check Windguru and MagicSeaweed for conditions alerts before each event
See you on the water in 2026! 🏄🪁🤿
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