The world’s best skateboarders will be held in early 2023 in UAE after governing body World Skate announced that two qualifying events for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics would be held at the Aljada Skate Park in Sharjah.
It is the first time that a pro-skating program at this level has ever been held in the Middle East and athletes hoping to contest in the next Olympics must receive ranking points to qualify by taking part in a limited amount of events, which makes the Sharjah competitions a vital stop on the road to Paris 2024.
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, vice chairman of Arada, said:
“These events mark another piece of sporting history for Sharjah, and once again showcase the UAE’s position as a hugely attractive destination for a huge range of sports from around the world. Skateboarding is one of the fastest-growing sports globally and having built the best skate park in the region, we’re very excited at the opportunity to see the world’s best skaters put it through its paces.”
Sabatino Aracu, president of World Skate, said: “As a truly global sport, we’re delighted to bring skating events of this stature to the Middle East for the first time, and in particular to see Sharjah play such an important role on the road to Paris 2024. The popularity of skating has really taken off in the region in recent years, and these two World Championship qualifiers offer skaters the chance to enjoy an impressive new skate park, while allowing local fans the opportunity to see the world’s top professionals up close.”
Around 300 professional skateboarders from around the world will take part in the event, aiming to secure points that will allow them to qualify for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
