Khorfakkan All Set To Host First H2O Nations Cup

Over 20 entertainment events to accompany sporting spectacle in coastal city

Khorfakkan, the picturesque holiday destination on Sharjah’s East Coast, has lined up an extravaganza of fun and games as it gets ready to host the first ever H20 Nations Cup from March 28 to 31. The H20 Motorboat Championship, being hosted by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority under the patronage of HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohamed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, is being held for the first time in the Middle East after it made its debut in Singapore last year.

The biggest sporting spectacle of its kind to be held for the first time in Khorfakkan will also include a variety of cultural and entertainment events and shows spread over four days and already has set the coastal city that is the nation’s favourite holiday destination and is home to the region’s biggest natural harbour abuzz .

Commenting on the H20 Championship, SCTDA Chairman Mohamed Ali Al Noman said that Sharjah is keen to add variety and uniqueness to its events calendar. Al Noman said as part of the Nations Cup, a number of cultural activities, games and shows for the entire family will be held in the coastal city. The Khorfakkan beach will see some exciting action with world-class entertainment and activities like fire and electro shows. There will be a Heritage Village, a night bazaar, food kiosks, workshops and even a mini zoo. Also, there will be dedicated games and adventure zones and a play area for special needs children. 

The H20 Championship is being held in the waters of the breathtaking Khorfakkan bay. The first day of the Championship will see a grand horse show across the Khorfakkan city to promote the event. There will also be horse and camel rides available for the more adventurous.

“This is the first of its kind event in Khorfakkan and the region,” said Al Noman expressing confidence that the H20 Championship and the slew of accompanying activities and events will boost internal tourism and support external tourism. Al Noman said that the Authority is keen to turn the spotlight on the East Coast by organising such world-class events. “This beautiful coastal city has hosted the President’s Cup Formula 2000 Championship in 2005, 2007 and 2008 and succeeded in highlighting its cultural heritage of Sharjah in general and Khorfakkan in particular,” said he.

Al Noman pointed out that the H20 Championship comes on the heels of the spectacular success of the Sharjah Water Festival and Sharjah Light Festival that the SCTDA organised recently, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond.

The Authority is constantly working to promote Sharjah’s tourism sector by hosting and attracting international festivals and events that bolster the emirate’s position as an international tourism destination with a difference, he emphasised. “This is more than a sporting championship. This is a family entertainment event taking place in the UAE’s favourite holiday destination. This is why we expect to attract thousands of visitors from neighboring emirates and the region,” said Al Noman.

“By organising all these international leisure, sports, cultural and arts festivals and events throughout the year over the past few years, Sharjah has succeeded in creating an ideal environment for international travelers and for events like H20 Championship. We have been hosting the F1H2O Powerboat World Championship – the Grand Prix of Sharjah – over the past 12 years,” argued the SCTDA Chairman.

The event partners include Municipal Council of Khorfakkan, Sharjah Department of Public works, Sharjah Civil Defense, Sharjah Police Headquarters, Sharjah Department of Seaport and Customs. Sharjah Mega Mall, Sahara Center, Al Zehra Hospital, Royal Beach Hotel and Resorts and Zulal Water

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