SailGP returns to Dubai for the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas

One of the world’s fastest growing sport leagues, SailGP, has announced the return of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by P&O Marinas, to Mina Rashid, Dubai. For the event, taking place December 9-10, 2023, SailGP will welcome a new title partner, Emirates Airline and a returning presenting partner in P&O Marinas following a sell-out first year. The investment by both Emirates and P&O Marinas represents continued investment and dedication in making Dubai a leading sports and entertainment hub and leveraging experiences unique to sailing across multiple touchpoints.

Tickets are now on sale for the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas – with the support of the Dubai Sports Council – promising spectacular stadium racing with true Dubai-style luxury hospitality offerings. Following a successful partnership at the France Sail Grand Prix in Saint-Tropez (September 2023), Nikki Beach Resorts & Spa Dubai will bring its world famous celebration vibes to SailGP for an exclusive fan offering in the heart of Mina Rashid.

The announcement of Dubai – which will be the sixth stop in Season 4 – will take the league to a record 13-event calendar, the largest in the league’s history. Fans will get to witness SailGP’s revolutionary F50 foiling catamarans racing just metres away from the shoreline and in view of some of Dubai’s globally recognized attractions at Mina Rashid.

The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix is set to bring back the cutting-edge racing that thrilled fans in 2022 at a sold-out event, as world-class teams representing Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the United States compete for the title. The Dubai event looks set to become a regular fixture on SailGP’s successful global championship, which features close to shore stadium racing at iconic venues around the world – including Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Bermuda, Cadiz, Chicago, Halifax, Los Angeles, New York, Saint-Tropez, Sydney, San Francisco and Taranto.

SailGP CEO Russell Coutts said: “We are delighted to bring SailGP back to the home of both P&O Marinas and Emirates, following our successful debut last year. Returning to Dubai will help to amplify our ambitions to grow the sport across the UAE, and with two exceptional partners now onboard we are looking forward to what the Dubai event can bring this year by welcoming even more fans to the race stadium at Mina Rashid.”

Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer Emirates said: “Emirates has supported the sport of sailing for almost 20 years, so welcoming SailGP to our home Dubai, and putting the city as a fixture on the league’s calendar is a proud moment, and we look forward to exhilarating action and a buzzing waterfront in a few short months. Our partnership with SailGP also underscores Emirates’ commitment to growing Dubai’s position as a centre of sports excellence and a destination of choice for elite sporting events with its world-class facilities and iconic venues. We’re confident that this event will again prove popular with the vibrant, multi-national communities here, with teams expecting to compete from 10 countries.”

Hamza Mustafa, Chief Operating Officer at P&O Marinas said: “SailGP is back in Dubai! We’re thrilled to host this exhilarating international sailing event at Mina Rashid Marina, the perfect destination for all things maritime. Our partnership cements our commitment to making Dubai a leading maritime hub and a global destination for yachting and sailing enthusiasts. With our state-of-the-art berth infrastructure and exceptional hospitality offerings, this year’s event is sure to be a memorable experience for everyone. We look forward to witnessing world-class athletes compete in a high-profile race that will leave you breathless.”

Mina Rashid will offer fans an exhilarating vantage point to experience the high-speed foiling F50 catamarans racing before their eyes. Over two days and five races, ten national teams will compete for points, leading to a final showdown determining the event’s winner among the top three teams.

Fans wanting to be part of the excitement at the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by P&O Marinas on December 9-10 should head to SailGP.com/Dubai for more details and to purchase tickets, which are on sale now.

A number of tickets categories are available;

Watch the high-speed action on the water from less than 50 meters away from the racecourse. Waterfront Grandstand is situated in the official spectator area, with big screens and accompanying live race commentary. Guests will have access to the Race Stadium which contains a food and beverage zone, fan activations, and merchandise stands.

New for 2023!  Experience the thrills, drama and excitement of the world’s most exciting racing on water, mixed with the high energy and signature atmosphere of the famous Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai. For the first time in Dubai, but its second-time partnering with SailGP, world famous Nikki Beach will join forces with SailGP to welcome guests to the premier lounge with a lively atmosphere right in front of the high-speed racing.

Guests will enjoy upgraded grandstand seating with large screens to watch the live broadcast, a premium Nikki Beach lounge to chill out and enjoy signature bites and drinks, with entertainment from Nikki Beach Dubai’s resident DJs. Also included is priority parking, priority entrance lane to the event, and access to the Race Stadium area featuring fan shops and activations.

Take part in an exclusive tour and go behind the scenes at SailGP. Through a Team Base Tour, enjoy an exclusive tour of the ‘pit lane garages’ where athletes and shore teams prepare the high-tech F50 race boats. The tour offers a rare chance to see SailGP’s elite athletes and the cutting-edge, wing-sailed boats up close, as the teams prepare for battle at Mina Rashid.

Finally, watch the event from your own boat, by getting the SailGP BYOB flag to get the best vantage spot right on the racecourse perimeter, in the heart of the action. Enjoy exclusive access on both days of racing and access to the live race commentary via VHF. Boats without a flag will be held at least 200m behind the flag-bearing boats.

Co-promoted by leading marine services agency BWA Yachting and P&O Marinas, SailGP Adrenaline Yachts is a premium experience for superyachts that offers the best view of the racing on the course boundary at Mina Rashid. Members will also get exclusive access to SailGP’s event, to truly receive the most unique experience of the most exciting racing on water.