UAE Aquatic Sports See Qualitative Leap As Talent Discovery And Major Championships Expand

World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam said the 30th GCC Swimming Championship in Abu Dhabi underlines the UAE’s growing status in global aquatics, noting that the event at the Olympic pool in Mohammed bin Zayed City Sports Centre attracts about 200 male and female swimmers, the largest participation in the tournament’s history.

Al Musallam stated that World Aquatics views hosting the championship in the UAE, and particularly in Abu Dhabi, as a strong sign of confidence in the country’s ability to manage major international sporting events, highlighting that the organisation is keen to maintain close support for regional competitions in the Gulf.

Al Musallam affirmed that swimming in the UAE has achieved a major qualitative leap in recent years, both in identifying new promising talents and in staging numerous championships at different levels, with this progress reflecting sustained investment, structured programmes, and growing interest from younger age groups across the emirates.

According to Al Musallam, the UAE’s advanced sports facilities in various emirates, combined with its strategic geographic position and major international airports, strengthen its role as a centre for sports tourism, while these assets, together with Abu Dhabi’s organisational experience and modern infrastructure, help ensure successful delivery of large-scale aquatics competitions.

Al Musallam praised the UAE Aquatics Federation for its swift approval to host the championship and noted the substantial backing from Abu Dhabi Sports Council, adding that aquatic sports form part of the Gulf region’s heritage through activities such as diving, so supporting and upgrading these disciplines should remain a priority in the sports sector.

With inputs from WAM