Abu Dhabi has been announced as the host for the 2019 IWWF World Wakeboard Championships, which will take place from November 19 to 23, 2019.

The sport’s governing body, the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation approved Abu Dhabi’s bid to host the competition, which sees riders compete across a range of men’s and women’s categories.

The championships will be held at the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, with a $50,000 prize for the men’s and women’s open category champions.

The IWWF president, Jose Antonio Perez Priego, said: “We are very excited to be running our first IWWF World titled event in Abu Dhabi and believe ADIMSC will organise one of the very best events we have experienced.

“We look forward to a long-term partnership with ADIMSC to develop towed water sports not only in Abu Dhabi but also in the entire UAE.”

ADIMSC plans to open a wakeboard academy in September, just ahead of the World Wakeboard Championships, and are working with the IWWF to develop this.

Salem Al Remeithi, ADIMSC’s general manager, explained: “People at all levels of ability will be able to learn new skills, improve their existing skills and further develop their knowledge and understanding of the sport.”

ADIMSC already runs powerboat, jet skiing and fly board academies, and has been one of the Middle East’s leading marine sports venue since it opened in 1993.

The World Wakeboard Championships includes categories for 14 and under, 18 and under, 30 and over, 40 and over and open category in both the men’s and women’s events, as well as a team overall title.

The 2018 event was held in Buenos Aires in Argentina, with Australia dominating. Rebecca Gange won the women’s open category and Cory Teunissen was victorious in the men’s open, while Australia also picked up the team title.