Nasser Al Dhaheri, manager of Modern Sports Events at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, secured all six votes to join the committee that oversees the world’s leading inshore powerboat racing series. The election took place at the Union Internationale Motonautique annual meetings in Sintra, Portugal, which incorporated the 99th General Assembly and drew delegates from national federations and marine sports bodies worldwide. Al Dhaheri enters the role with prior experience on the UIM safety and navigation committees, according to the club.
The F1H2O World Championship Committee focuses on advancing the series’ organisational framework and technical regulations to raise levels of professionalism and competitive balance. This appointment underscores the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club’s established reputation for organising and managing high-profile international events. It also extends ongoing initiatives to expand Emirati involvement in specialised global committees within marine sports governance.
Al Dhaheri said, “This election brings new responsibilities and an opportunity to continue contributing to the development of the F1H2O World Championship, sharing expertise and exchanging international experience to enhance its technical and organisational standards and strengthen the global standing of UAE marine sports.” The championship, sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique since its launch in 1981, is promoted by H2O Racing and reaches broadcast audiences in 170 countries. UAE squads including Victory Team, Sharjah Team and Team Abu Dhabi have figured prominently in recent editions, with multiple drivers claiming world titles.
The 2026 season opened in Cagliari, Italy, continued in Shanghai, China, and is slated to conclude in Sharjah later this year, a series schedule published by the UIM shows. Shaun Torrente of Victory Team entered the year as the defending champion after claiming his fourth crown in 2025 while Jonas Andersson has taken three titles in the preceding four campaigns. Al Dhaheri has headed Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club delegations at prior rounds, including the 2025 Grand Prix of Jeddah.
The Union Internationale Motonautique, as the sport’s world governing body, maintains a calendar that spans four continents and emphasises safety alongside performance innovation. Al Dhaheri’s four-year mandate will see him engage with fellow committee members on initiatives that sustain the championship’s growth and appeal. His background in event management at one of the UAE’s foremost marine clubs equips him to address both regulatory and promotional priorities.