The global SailGP championship is set to return to the UAE this November for the final two events of its 2026 season. The penultimate round, titled the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by DP World, is scheduled for November 21-22. This will be followed by the $2 million season decider, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, taking place November 28-29 at the Emirates Palace for the first time.
The 2026 campaign marks the largest in the history of the sport, featuring 13 international teams racing identical, high-performance F50 catamarans. These vessels reach speeds exceeding 100km/h while racing just meters from the shoreline. Currently, Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos lead the overall standings, holding a 17-point advantage over Spain’s Los Gallos. The competition for the third and final spot in the Abu Dhabi showdown remains intense, with only five points separating the US SailGP Team, Artemis, and Emirates GBR.
Reflecting on the upcoming conclusion, SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts expressed excitement about the competitive nature of the finale and the new fan experiences being introduced at the Emirates Palace. Last year, the championship also concluded in the UAE, where crowds witnessed Emirates GBR secure their first-ever Rolex SailGP Championship title.
Ahmad Yousef Al Hassan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, noted that the organization is proud to host the event on home waters, highlighting the UAE’s role as a hub for maritime trade and international sport. He emphasized that the event serves to showcase the nation’s ambition and innovation to a global audience.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, stated that hosting the season finale at the Emirates Palace underscores Abu Dhabi’s rising status as a premier destination for major sporting events. He added that the council is eager to deliver an exceptional experience for both athletes and spectators at one of the capital’s most recognizable landmarks.
Saaed Hareb of the Dubai Sports Council highlighted the deep-rooted cultural connection between Dubai and sailing. He remarked, “Given this close connection between Dubai and sailing, there is absolutely no doubt that this unique championship will be truly remarkable in all aspects.” He further noted that it is a pleasure to welcome sailing legends like Sir Russell Coutts back to the region. The report also notes that australia’s Bonds Flying Roos lead the fleet, 17 points ahead of Spain’s Los Gallos in second, but behind them the title race is wide open. The report also notes that we are especially proud to support an event that brings people together through world-class sailing, as a business with deep roots in the maritime industry. The report also notes that we look forward to delivering an, through this event. The report also notes that our experiences in the past with sailing have been the best and it will be an absolute pleasure to have such legends as Russell Coutts and other sailing greats be our guests one more time.
