World Rowing to Organise Global Programmes and Events in the UAE

The World Rowing Federation has announced plans to organise global programmes and events in the UAE, recognising it as a leading sports destination.

The World Rowing Federation has announced plans to organise global programs and events in the UAE, recognising the Gulf nation as a leading sports destination and a hub for international sports federations, particularly in water and marine sports.

This was revealed by Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of the World Rowing Federation, who affirmed that the availability of a suitable environment and advanced infrastructure in the UAE contributes to the successful hosting of these events.

He highlighted the federation's plans to organise various activities as part of its agenda for 2027 and 2028, in collaboration with the UAE Federation for Coastal Rowing and the UAE Rowing Federation.

These activities include an Olympic rowing event, which will be held in the fourth quarter of 2027, focusing on preparing for the 2028 Youth Olympic Games in the UAE.

Furthermore, the federation will be organising a coastal rowing event in the first quarter of 2028, aiming to qualify at least 100 athletes for the 2028 Youth Olympic Games.

In the second quarter of 2028, the federation will host the Beach Sprint Rowing World Championships, while also planning to launch the first edition of the Virtual Rowing World Championships in the third quarter of 2028.

The federation is also planning to organise the Indoor Rowing World Championships in the fourth quarter of 2028, showcasing the diversity of rowing disciplines.

These remarks were made during the participation of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation in the 2025 World Congress meetings, which took place in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Friday and Saturday.

The meetings were attended by 160 national federations from different continents, aiming to discuss the future of rowing and its integration with the new generation.

The 2025 World Congress meetings saw the active participation of the UAE in various meetings and sessions, showcasing the nation's capabilities in organising major sporting events.

Earlier this year, the UAE successfully hosted the 53rd Convention of the World Rowing Federation in March, marking a significant milestone in the federation's history.

The meeting saw the attendance of national federations from across the globe to discuss the future of rowing and its integration with the new generation.