Abu Dhabi to Host UAE’s First GKA Kite World Tour 2025

Abu Dhabi is gearing up to make waves in the world of watersports as it prepares to host the UAE’s first-ever GKA Kite World Tour from 25 October to 2 November 2025 at Fahid Island. The Hydrofoil Big Air & Freestyle Kite World Cup will mark a significant milestone in the emirate’s sports calendar, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for adventure, lifestyle, and sporting tourism.

A Global Sports Destination

Fahid Island, strategically located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, will serve as the stunning backdrop for this international competition. Known as the world’s first Fitwel-certified island, Fahid Island boasts 11km of coastline, 4.6km of pristine beaches, and a 2km pedestrian waterfront promenade, offering a perfect blend of nature, wellness, and sports-friendly infrastructure.

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The Kite World Tour joins Abu Dhabi’s impressive lineup of global sporting events, including the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, NBA Abu Dhabi Games, UFC at Etihad Arena, and Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, further elevating the city’s international sporting stature.

A Nine-Day Watersports Festival

The event is the centerpiece of the Fahid Island Watersports Festival, spanning nine days. Alongside the Kite World Cup, the festival will feature the GWA Wingfoil World Tour season finale and the SFT Surf Foil World Tour championship deciders, bringing an unprecedented concentration of elite watersports talent to the UAE.

Organizers expect over 30,000 fans to witness the thrilling competitions on the island’s shores. The festival will also include watersports clinics, an athlete village, a curated selection of local food and retail offerings, and a packed schedule of live performances and family entertainment, creating a vibrant experience for visitors of all ages.

Star-Studded Competitions

The festival will feature some of the sport’s biggest names. Hugo Wigglesworth (NZL) and Finn Flügel (GER) will compete in Hydrofoil Big Air, while Maxime Chabloz (SUI) and Bruna Kajiya (BRA) battle in Freestyle. Wingfoil champions Nia Suardiaz (ESP) and Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA) are also set to perform, with athletes like Lorenzo Casati (ITA) and Charles Brodel (FRA) adding to the competitive field.

World-Class Facilities and Community Engagement

Fahid Island is designed with wellness, sustainability, and active lifestyles in mind, offering a safe and scenic environment for professional competitions and community participation alike. By combining international sporting excellence with immersive public programs, the festival underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to promoting sports, recreation, and tourism simultaneously.

With the GKA Kite World Tour making its UAE debut, Abu Dhabi not only strengthens its position as a global watersports hub but also provides a platform for athletes and spectators to engage with the very best in adventure sports.