SailGP returns to UAE for 2026 season finale in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

SailGP has confirmed details for its final two events of the 2026 season, when the global sail racing championship returns to the UAE in November.

The Rolex SailGP Championship’s penultimate round, the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by DP World, will take place on November 21-22.

The following weekend will see the $2million decider – the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council (November 28-29) – unfold for the very first time at Emirates Palace.

Last year’s championship season began and ended in UAE, with packed race stadiums in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where crowds saw Emirates GBR lift their first-ever Rolex SailGP Championship title and claim the sport’s top prize.

The 2026 season is the biggest in SailGP’s history, with 13 international teams competing on identical state-of-the-art F50 catamarans, at speeds of more than 100km/h just meters from the shore.

With only three events remaining in the Rolex SailGP Championship, competition is heating up as teams look to secure their place in the winner-takes-all Grand Final. Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos lead the fleet, 17 points ahead of Spain’s Los Gallos in second, but behind them the title race is wide open. Just five points separate the US SailGP Team, Artemis and Emirates GBR in the fight for the third and final Abu Dhabi spot.

SailGP chief executive officer Sir Russell Coutts said: “This year’s championship finale looks set to be the most competitive yet and we’re really pleased to confirm the ticketed experiences for the  final two races of the season.

This year, we’re taking it to the next level, building in more world-class fan experiences and our Grand Final at the iconic Emirates Palace for the first time.”

Ahmad Yousef Al Hassan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, said: “DP World is proud to welcome SailGP back to the UAE for what promises to be an exciting finale on our home waters. As a business with deep roots in the maritime industry, we are especially proud to support an event that brings people together through world-class sailing.

“We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to Dubai and Abu Dhabi and showcasing the ambition, energy and innovation that have made the UAE a leading destination for international sport and a hub for maritime trade.”

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Hosting the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix – 2026 Season Grand Final at Emirates Palace for the first time reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing stature as a leading global destination for major international sporting events.

“We are delighted to welcome the championship back to Abu Dhabi and to host the decisive round of the season, bringing together elite teams and athletes from around the world at one

of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Through this event, we look forward to delivering an

exceptional sporting and spectator experience that further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s presence and position on the global sporting calendar.”

Saaed Hareb of Dubai Sports Council, said: “Dubai has close ties with water sports, especially sailing which is our rich heritage and so much in our genes from time immemorial. Our experiences in the past with sailing have been the best and it will be an absolute pleasure to have such legends as Russell Coutts and other sailing greats be our guests one more time.

“Given this close connection between Dubai and sailing, there is absolutely no doubt that this unique championship will be truly remarkable in all aspects.”