F50 Catamarans Return to UAE Waters as $2M SailGP Finale Dates Set
The 2026 global sailing championship is heading back to UAE shorelines this autumn, bringing high-speed F50 catamaran racing straight to local waterfronts. The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by DP World anchors the penultimate round of the season on November 21, 22. Just seven days later, the championship moves down the coast to the capital, where Emirates Palace makes its debut hosting the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council on November 28, 29.
Waterfront grandstand access and ticket options open for November dates
For local sports fans and coastal residents, the double-header brings 13 international teams racing identical catamarans capable of hitting speeds over 100km/h mere meters from the shore. Tickets for both race weekends are already available online through the official SailGP ticketing portals. Organizers have set up several spectator tiers, ranging from standard family-friendly Waterfront Grandstand seating to the Premium Waterfront Grandstand and the VELA Beach Club, which features waterfront hospitality, food, beverages, and live DJ sets.
The final stretch on UAE waters carries a $2 million winner-takes-all prize purse for the overall championship. Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos currently top the leaderboard, holding a 17-point lead over Spain’s Los Gallos. The race for the remaining spots in the Abu Dhabi final remains tight, with the US SailGP Team, Artemis, and defending champion Emirates GBR separated by only five points.
The fleet races in Geneva next weekend for the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix before heading to the UAE to close out the 2026 season.
