Fujairah Fishing Classic a Fantastic Success

Contestants at the inaugural Fujairah Fishing Classic lined up for photos yesterday afternoon and their faces told the story of accomplishment, the forging friendships and plenty of fish (many of which were consumed at the final banquet at Le Meredien, the chief sponsor of the event).

Bruce Fennessy, the tournament director, said the Fujairah Classic would become an annual fixture. He added, “I think I speak for everyone when I say that it’s been fantastic…We will see more big competitions in Fujairah and we will be back. It’s a great venue for an event like this.”

Raed Dabbous and his winning team Sho Cho, (named about Raed’s popular restaurant in Dubai) said that while everyone wants to be competitive and win a prize the point of the whole exercise is lots if it is competition at all costs in which the fun goes out of the whole experience.

Team Sho Cho which won the prize for the largest fish—a 17.7 kg kingfish.

Many residents of Fujairah and friends of the contestants gathered each day for the weighing of the fish and the photo opportunities.

The Bin Habib team from Dubai with an 8.3 kg Dorado Caught on Day 3.

Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed Darak, the Managing Director of the Fujairah International Marine Club was positive about sharing in the sponsorship of this tournament and stated another reason why he wants this annual event to be successful:

“It is important for Emiratis to connect with the ocean…The dhow and fishing have traditionally been at the basis of Emirati life. The aim of our marine club, backed by the government is to reunite Emirati youth with their roots.”

Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed Darak at the helm.

Other Stories and Related Sites
See the Textile and Spice Souks of Dubai UAE, Experiencing the Emirates, 14 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 9 October 2009.

Inaugural Fujairah Fishing Classic is Al Luring, Fujairah in Focus, 16 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.