Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship begins today

MIRFA: Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the Commitee for the Management of Cultural and Heritage Festivals and Programmes in Abu Dhabi, announced the launch of Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship for Men and Women from 14th to 16th May, 2021, at Dhafra port in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Organisers said the championship introduces the coasts and islands of the Dhafra Region to the public to create an opportunity for traditional sporfishing amateurs to participate in these championships. It encourages the spirit of honest competition amongst them, and to revive fishing as a hobby, whilst contributing to maritime safety, regulating kingfish hunting and preserving traditional competitions which reflect the UAE’S heritage.

Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Director of Planning and Projects Department of the Commitee, noted that the championship had witnessed during the first and second days of registration a great turnout that exceeded expectations with 442 confirmed participants - 430 men and 12 women.

Registration for the championship is open until the last day of the tournament (16th May), and can be done online via the championship website (kingfish.aldhafrafestival.com) where participants can obtain their registration numbers during the competition (8:00 to 18:00), he said, adding that the launch of the championship was specifically set to coincide with Eid Al Fitr holidays to allow for the largest number of participants.

He also confirmed that the championship organisers will be implementing all precautionary and preventive measures duration the championship, in coordination with the concerned authorities, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Al Mazrouei stressed that the only fishing method allowed at the championship is with a mandrake/scraping/with a hook or a traditional thread, and fishing by the method of weaving of all kinds is not allowed (hayla, brassim, nylon, marine pistol, manhla or poi and all other means).

The championship will adhere strictly to security and safety conditions in line with the country’s laws and regulations (Abu Dhabi Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi).

Championship terms and conditions include shooting a video of the contestant’s action - starting with catching the fish and ending with taking its weight (minimum fish weight is 15kg). Fish caught should be taken for weighing at the commitee’s office on-site, between 8:00 and 18:00. The video must be clear, uncut, and taken from inside the boat only.