Wadi Adventures to host first-ever UAE edition of World Rafting Championship

 High-profile event to draw global attention to Al Ain’s emergence as adventure sport hub

Wadi Adventures, the Middle East's first man-made whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing destination, has announced that it will be hosting the first-ever UAE leg of the International Rafting Federation’s World Rafting Championship from November 1 to 5, 2016 in cooperation with key partner Tamouh Investments Group. The high-profile international event will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and will cast the global spotlight on Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as an ideal adventure sport hub.

The upcoming World Rafting Championship is an R4-level competition open to 4-man rafts covering the Sprint, Head to Head, Slalom and Downriver rafting disciplines and will be held in the Middle East’s first man-made rafting course. Wadi Adventures passed the International Rafting Federation’s stringent logistical and tournament requirements, proving itself an exceptional artificial course for challenging the endurance and rafting skills of seasoned competitors. The 2016 World Rafting Championship is sponsored by leading Abu Dhabi -based property developer Tamouh Investments Group and the International Rafting Federation.

 Saif Al Bloushi, Chief Projects Officer - Tamouh Investments Group, Wadi Adventures’ parent company, said: “Wadi Adventures’ hosting of the 2016 World Rafting Championship marks a major milestone in local watersports and affirms Al Ain’s coming of age as a world-class adventure sport destination. We look forward to seeing some of the world’s best rafters in action and contributing to the further development and popularity of the sport at the local, regional and international levels. We wish all competitors the very best of luck.”

Aside from watching the Championship, audiences and guests can also have fun at the Kids’ Zone and Sports Shows Zones to be set up for the event. They can also try out some of Wadi Adventures’ major attractions such as the world’s longest man made whitewater channels, the world’s largest surf pool, and an aerial obstacle course featuring a two-story airpark, zip line, climbing wall and giant swing.

Nilesh Mistry, General Manager - Wadi Adventures, added: “Wadi Adventures takes pride in the advanced facilities, amenities and services it offers which can accommodate even the toughest of water sports and activities. The 2016 World Rafting Championship will be the supreme test of our ability to host major international events and we are confident that we will deliver beyond expectations. We thank the International Rafting Federation for their trust and assure viewers and competitors alike of a memorable experience along with the unique brand of Arabic hospitality.”

 “We are very selective of the venues for the Championship. Needless to say, we were very impressed by Wadi Adventures’ offerings as well as Al Ain’s natural fit for our event in terms of terrain, location and ambiance. We are very excited over our first foray into the UAE and anticipate a very entertaining and challenging competition this year,”, informed Joe Willie Jones, President, International Rafting Federation.

Located at the base of Jebel Hafeet mountain south of the city of Al Ain, Wadi Adventures is one of the region’s leading adventure sport -themed destinations. Wadi Adventures’ spaces and infrastructure are specially designed to host world-class events, competitions, and large groups.