XCAT 2026: Abu Dhabi returns at Fujairah, Nilsen too
The newsroomUpdated on November 12, 20264 minUIM XCAT World Championship: Team Abu Dhabi returns at Fujairah on 4-6 December after nearly five years away, and Pål Virik Nilsen is back with Energima.
Key point
After nearly five years away, Abu Dhabi returns to UIM XCAT at Fujairah (4-6 December) with two boats, and Pål Virik Nilsen is back racing with Energima.
The UIM XCAT World Championship is getting a historic team back: Team Abu Dhabi returns to racing at the Fujairah Grand Prix, 4 to 6 December, after nearly five years away. The Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club announced it on 11 November, according to Powerboat News. The same day the site also reported the return of Norway's Pål Virik Nilsen with Team Energima.
Abu Dhabi back with two boats
The return was approved by the club's chairman, Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. The team enters two boats, Abu Dhabi 4 and Abu Dhabi 5. It opens the season at Fujairah, Round 1 of a two-round championship, ahead of Dubai on 11 to 13 December. Majed Al Mansoori was also named Assistant Technical Manager in March.
Why the team left
Abu Dhabi's last race was Race 1 of the Fujairah Grand Prix on 5 March 2022. Both its boats, like Q8 Oil and Pastamato, were disqualified for not following the track outline. A hearing the next morning revoked the disqualifications, but the team says it received penalties of two laps and six minutes. Abu Dhabi 4 then took pole for Race 2, after which the team withdrew both boats, citing fairness.
A record to defend
- 2015: runners-up, 14 points behind XDubai (Abu Dhabi 5).
- 2018: world champions on 213 points, 9 ahead of Dubai Police. It is the team's only world title.
- 2019: runners-up (Abu Dhabi 4).
- 2021: second on 143 points, 13 behind Dubai Police, then disqualified from the championship in December over a technical infringement. The team appealed to the ICA.
Since then the 2023 to 2025 titles went to Team GB, Fujairah Racing Team and Victory Team, the reigning champions after clinching the crown at Dubai in 2025.
Nilsen returns with Energima
Nilsen will race with Erik Sundblad Johansen at Energima, which refers to new engines for the season. The Norwegian raced for Team Australia in 2017 and 2018; the team lost the 2017 title by one point in the final round. Marit Strømøy, Sundblad Johansen's co-driver in 2025, is no longer in the boat: she races in F1H2O with her own team. The pair finished 2025 seventh on 49 points in boat 55.
Key point
The Fujairah entry list is growing ahead of the 4 December opener. The programme remains provisional, as the series' earlier published calendar states.
Frequently asked questions
When does Abu Dhabi race in XCAT again?
At the Fujairah Grand Prix, 4 to 6 December, Round 1 of a two-round season. Dubai follows on 11 to 13 December.
Why did Abu Dhabi leave the series?
In Race 1 of the 2022 Fujairah Grand Prix both boats were disqualified, then reinstated with penalties. After Abu Dhabi 4 took pole for Race 2, the team withdrew both boats, citing fairness.
How many world titles does Abu Dhabi have in XCAT?
One, in 2018, with 213 points, 9 ahead of Dubai Police.
Who is Nilsen racing with in 2026?
With Erik Sundblad Johansen at Team Energima, according to the team's announcement reported by Powerboat News.
Sources
- Powerboat News — Abu Dhabi returns to XCAT at Fujairah after leaving in 2022
- Powerboat News — Pål Virik Nilsen returns with Energima for 2026 XCAT
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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