The 2026 Arab Sailing Championship kicks off in Hurghada with the participation of 11 countries
The Red Sea resort city of Hurghada is preparing to host a major Arab sporting event: the 2026 Arab Sailing Championship, which will take place from January 28th to February 1st. This event reaffirms Egypt's position as a leading destination for hosting regional and international sporting championships, particularly in the field of marine sports, which require exceptional natural and climatic conditions.
In official statements, Engineer Ahmed Habash, President of the Egyptian Sailing Federation, revealed the technical details of the championship, explaining that it will witness fierce competition with the participation of 130 male and female athletes representing the elite of the sport. Participants will compete in several internationally recognized classes, including Kite, Elka, Techno, Optimist, and IQFOIL. The IQFOIL class is of particular importance as it has become the new Olympic class for windsurfing, making the competition a valuable opportunity for Arab sailors to gain experience and raise their technical level in preparation for international events.
The championship enjoys wide participation, reflecting the deep sporting ties between Arab nations. Delegations from 11 sister countries are present: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Morocco, the State of Kuwait, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, the State of Libya, the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and the Arab Republic of Egypt (the host country). This large gathering is not limited to sporting competition; it also serves as a platform for exchanging technical expertise among Arab sailing federations.
In a broader context, Hurghada is an ideal destination for these sports due to its favorable wind speeds and the unique characteristics of the Red Sea, which contributes to promoting the concept of "sports tourism." Such tournaments play a pivotal role in boosting tourism, attracting hundreds of participants, including administrators, coaches, and players, in addition to generating media coverage that highlights the city's tourist attractions.
Historically, Arab sailing championships have always been a launching pad for Arab champions towards international success, as categories such as the Optimist (designated for juniors) contribute to building a strong base of the rising generation, while other categories provide a competitive environment that mimics world championships and Olympic Games, thus enhancing the chances of Arabs to win medals in upcoming international events.
