Celebrated olympic swimmers and high divers due in Abu Dhabi for FINA swim marathon and high dive world cups

• Four Day FINA Aquatic Sports Spectacular Begins On The Corniche February 26
• Amateurs can join in FINA Open Water Swim World Event

Abu Dhabi, UAE: 16 February 2016: Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) has partnered with FINA – the world governing body for the sport of swimming - to host both the 10km Marathon Swimming and High Diving World Cup Competitions, featuring Olympic caliber performances, which will take place from February 26-29 at the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club.

Ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics, the FINA World Cup Series in Abu Dhabi will present the world’s top swimmers and high divers that will demonstrate amazing feats of athletic endurance and bravery for members of the UAE public.

In line with its commitment to develop a healthy and sportive community in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, working alongside the UAE Swimming Federation, is also launching the FINA Open Water Mass Participation Swim, which is open to swimmers of all ages and abilities from around the UAE. 

Over 130 of the world’s leading male and female open water swimmers from 35 countries are expected to attend the event in Abu Dhabi, competing for their chance to gain qualifying points for the Rio Olympics and a slice of the $60,000 (220,400 AED) prize fund. In the second event, the world’s top 25 men’s high divers and top 20 women’s high divers will compete for a prize fund of over US$ 118,000 (433,400 AED).

His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary, ADSC said: “This is yet another opportunity to witness excellence in sporting taking place in the waters just off our Corniche which is a magnificent backdrop for the professionals, and amateurs, to test their skills.

“We hope the performance feats displayed over the weekend will capture the imagination of UAE nationals and residents alike so that with the UAE Swimming Federation we can move ahead in building a strong aquatic sports culture in Abu Dhabi. We have the climate, the waters and the facilities to make this happen – all we need now is public engagement which events like this can achieve.”

The three FINA Open Water events will offer free entry and grandstand seating for all spectators as part of an entertainment village, which will include a variety of gourmet food stands, musical entertainment and activities for families and children.

FINA/HOSA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup

The FINA/HOSA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup will take place on Friday February 26. This annually staged elite-level competition will bring together renowned marathon swimmers from around the globe. The competition includes seven legs that take place in some of the world’s most scenic waterways across six different countries including Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Hungary, Canada, China and Hong Kong.

FINA High Diving World Cup

Taking place from February 27-29th, the FINA High Diving World Cup will include two separate events on its program: a men's competition in five rounds and a women's competition in two rounds. The men will perform dives from a 27m platform and the women from a 20m platform.

FINA Open Water Swim World Event 2016

Taking place on 26th February, this Open Water Swim is designed to give swimmers of all ages and abilities a chance to experience the sport of open water swimming in a safe and professionally managed swimming arena in the glittering waters of the Abu Dhabi Corniche.

The event is part of the World Series of Mass Participation Swims, which takes place in seven different countries around the world. The swim distances range from a Junior Splash of 300 meters, team relays and one mile (1600m) swim around an elite course. There will be a full water safety team available around the course and all amateur participants will be granted a participation certificate.

Swim Fans can sign up online by visiting www.premieronline.com

Ahmed Abdulla Al Falasi, UAE Swimming Federation President and FINA Board Member, said: “We are proud here in the UAE, to host such a high profile swimming and diving event, which continues to gather more momentum year on year. Welcoming this multitude of world-class athletes is a testament to our ongoing efforts to promote water sports across the country and inspire youth to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.”

The FINA HOSA 10KM Marathon Swimming World Cup Abu Dhabi will take place on a specially laid out course on the waters directly in front of the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club on the Abu Dhabi breakwater, and the FINA High Diving World Cup will take place from a spectacular tower on the same site adjacent to the Volvo Ocean Race pontoons.

Entry to the FINA Open Water Swimming events is free and there will be grandstand seating, food and beverage outlets, and entertainment for spectators of all ages to enjoy.