Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) held a press conference this morning (Wednesday, December 14, 2016) at the Hilton Sharjah to reveal the details of the Sharjah World Championship Week 2016.

SCTDA organises the event on a yearly basis under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The Sharjah World Championship Week 2016 includes the 17th U.I.M. F1H2O World Championship 2016 – Grand Prix of Sharjah on December 15 and 16, as well as the second UIM-ABP Aquabike Class Pro Circuit World Championship – Grand Prix of Sharjah 2016 on December 19 and 21.

The press conference was attended by His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, and Nicola di San Germano, Promoter of UIM Formula One Powerboat Racing & Aquabike Races, as well as a number of representatives from local and international media organisations.

In his speech at the press conference, H.E. Al Midfa said: “Sharjah is proud to be hosting the U.I.M. F1H2O World Championship for the 17th consecutive year. The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority spared no effort in collaborating with all relevant institutions to organise and facilitate this massive event.”

“This championship plays a crucial role in placing Sharjah on the tourism map, positioning the emirate as an ideal destination for tourism and large-scale events, as well as a cultural hub with a rich heritage,” H.E. Al Midfa added, expressing his delight at the fact that three teams from the UAE are taking part in the championship.

Meanwhile, Hassan Al Zaabi, Member of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah International Marine Club, said that the Club is taking part in the event as a strategic partner for the second year running. This falls in line with the club’s efforts to play a part in the emirate’s success in both tourism and sports, Al Zaabi continued, noting that the championships have witnessed remarkable success over the past few years, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

For his part, Nicola di San Germano lauded the efforts exerted by the Government of Sharjah and SCTDA to ensure that the championship is a success, asserting that the Grand Prix of Sharjah is a favourite among the racers.

Three racers will compete in the U.I.M. F1H2O World Championship 2016 finals; Philippe Chiappe leads with 82 points, followed by Shaun Torrente and Jonas Andersson with 63 and 57 points, respectively.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority extended an open invitation to all those in attendance at the press conference to head to Khalid Lagoon and enjoy the Sharjah World Championship Week 2016.

The list of sponsors who have pledged support for the major event includes a host of government and private institutions in the emirate, namely, the Department of Seaports & Customs-Government of Sharjah, Sharjah Police Headquarters, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), Sharjah City Municipality, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority -SHUROOQ, Sharjah Road and Transport Authority, Civil Defense Department of Sharjah, Sharjah Museums Department, and Mega Mall. Moreover, Al Zahra Hospital has signed on as the official medical sponsor, while Al Khaleej Newspaper and Sharjah Media Corporation joined as official media sponsors. Air Arabia is the official airline associated with the event, while the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club joins as a strategic partner.