SailGP has officially confirmed the schedule for the final two events of its 2026 season, marking the return of the global racing championship to the UAE this November. The penultimate round, titled the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by DP World, is set to take place on November 21-22.
The following weekend, the championship will reach its climax with the $2 million winner-takes-all decider. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final, presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, will be held from November 28-29, marking the first time the event is hosted at the iconic Emirates Palace.
This current season stands as the largest in the history of the sport, featuring 13 international teams competing on identical, high-performance F50 catamarans capable of reaching speeds exceeding 100km/h just meters from the shoreline. As the competition enters its final stretch, Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos currently lead the fleet with a 17-point advantage over Spain’s Los Gallos. The race for the third and final spot in the Abu Dhabi showdown remains highly competitive, with only five points separating the US SailGP Team, Artemis, and Emirates GBR.
Reflecting on the upcoming finale, SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts expressed enthusiasm for the competitive nature of this year’s circuit and the enhanced fan experiences planned for the final two races. He noted that the move to host the Grand Final at the Emirates Palace for the first time is a significant step forward for the league.
Ahmad Yousef Al Hassan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, highlighted the organization’s pride in supporting the event, noting that the company’s maritime roots align well with the sport. He emphasized that the UAE continues to solidify its reputation as a premier hub for both international sports and global maritime trade.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, stated that hosting the season finale at such a landmark location underscores the capital’s growing stature as a major destination for elite sporting events. He added that the council is committed to delivering an exceptional experience for both athletes and spectators.
Saaed Hareb of the Dubai Sports Council emphasized the deep cultural connection between Dubai and sailing, describing the sport as being part of the region’s heritage and DNA. He welcomed the return of sailing legends to the city, noting, “Given this close connection between Dubai and sailing, there is absolutely no doubt that this unique championship will be truly remarkable in all aspects.”
The UAE previously hosted both the start and conclusion of the championship last year, drawing large crowds to stadiums in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. That season saw Emirates GBR secure their first-ever Rolex SailGP Championship title. The report also notes that we are especially proud to support an event that brings people together through world-class sailing, as a business with deep roots in the maritime industry. The report also notes that our experiences in the past with sailing have been the best and it will be an absolute pleasure to have such legends as Russell Coutts and other sailing greats be our guests one more time.
