SailGP has confirmed event and ticketing details for the final two races of its 2026 season, with the championship heading to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for back-to-back events in November.
The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by DP World will host the penultimate round on November 21-22. One week later, the season will reach its conclusion with the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, taking place on November 28-29.
For the first time, the Abu Dhabi Grand Final will be staged at Emirates Palace, where the season’s leading teams will compete for the USD $2 million top prize.
Tickets for both events are now available through SailGP Tickets.
UAE prepares to host SailGP title decider
The UAE also played a central role in last year’s championship, hosting both the opening and closing events of the season.
Packed race stadiums in Dubai and Abu Dhabi saw Emirates GBR secure its first Rolex SailGP Championship title and claim the sport’s top prize.
The 2026 season has since grown into the largest in SailGP history, with 13 international teams competing aboard identical F50 catamarans capable of reaching speeds of more than 100km/h, just metres from shore.
With three events remaining, the battle to reach the winner-takes-all Grand Final is intensifying.
Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos currently lead the fleet, holding a 17-point advantage over Spain’s Los Gallos in second place. Behind them, only five points separate the U.S. SailGP Team, Artemis and Emirates GBR as they fight for the third and final qualifying position in Abu Dhabi.
Emirates Palace to host Grand Final for first time
The move to Emirates Palace will give the 2026 championship a new setting for its decisive race.
SailGP chief executive officer Sir Russell Coutts said:
“This year’s championship finale looks set to be the most competitive yet and we’re really pleased to confirm the ticketed experiences for the final two races of the season.
This year, we’re taking it to the next level, building in more world-class fan experiences and our Grand Final at the iconic Emirates Palace for the first time.”
The UAE’s connection to sailing and the maritime sector will also play a central role across the two weekends.
Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, said:
“DP World is proud to welcome SailGP back to the UAE for what promises to be an exciting finale on our home waters. As a business with deep roots in the maritime industry, we are especially proud to support an event that brings people together through world-class sailing.
“We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to Dubai and Abu Dhabi and showcasing the ambition, energy and innovation that have made the UAE a leading destination for international sport and a hub for maritime trade.”
Abu Dhabi welcomes decisive championship round
Hosting the Grand Final at Emirates Palace also marks another addition to Abu Dhabi’s calendar of major international sporting events.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said:
“Hosting the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix – 2026 Season Grand Final at Emirates Palace for the first time reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing stature as a leading global destination for major international sporting events.
“We are delighted to welcome the championship back to Abu Dhabi and to host the decisive round of the season, bringing together elite teams and athletes from around the world at one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.
Through this event, we look forward to delivering an exceptional sporting and spectator experience that further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s presence and position on the global sporting calendar.”
Dubai’s sailing heritage takes centre stage
Before the championship moves to Abu Dhabi, Dubai will host the penultimate round on November 21-22.
His Excellency Saaed Hareb of Dubai Sports Council highlighted the city’s longstanding relationship with sailing and water sports.
“Dubai has close ties with water sports, especially sailing which is our rich heritage and so much in our genes from time immemorial.
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.
“Given this close connection between Dubai and sailing, there is absolutely no doubt that this unique championship will be truly remarkable in all aspects.”
SailGP confirms ticket experiences for UAE races
Fans attending the Dubai and Abu Dhabi events will have several ticket options.
The VELA Beach Club will offer premium waterfront hospitality alongside live music, DJ sets and food and beverage.
The Premium Waterfront Grandstand will provide views across the racecourse, while the Waterfront Grandstand will offer an all-ages option close to the racing action.
Tickets are available separately through the official Dubai SailGP ticket page and Abu Dhabi SailGP ticket page.
Before heading to the UAE, the teams will travel to Geneva for the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix, the final European race of the season.
The championship will then conclude with its two UAE weekends, culminating in the USD $2 million title decider in Abu Dhabi.
Further information is available through SailGP.
Subscribe To The Mettle Mail
