Finswimming is one of the fastest and most powerful aquatic sports, according to Samih Shadly, a member of the World Underwater Sports Federation board and vice president of the International Life Saving Federation. He noted that the sport is gaining widespread popularity globally and in the Arab region, especially in the Gulf countries, due to its speed and excitement, which attract young people and children. Today, the Finswimming World Cup (Abu Dhabi 2025) concludes in Abu Dhabi with the participation of over 400 athletes representing 51 clubs and academies from 21 countries. Shadly praised the organization of the tournament in Abu Dhabi, considering it a real launch for finswimming in the UAE. "The large number of players, clubs, and academies in the tournament confirms that the UAE is a giant in hosting global sporting events and possesses distinguished infrastructure to organize the largest tournaments," he said. Shadly explained to "Emirates Today" that the sport primarily relies on leg strength and the use of various types of fins to achieve maximum speed, which makes it known globally as the "Formula 1 of swimming." "Fins provide the swimmer with immense propulsion power, and speed is the element that greatly attracts children and parents," he added. He clarified that fins are divided into two main types: regular fins used for medium distances, and monofins used for short sprints, with prices reaching up to 500 euros. Despite their high cost, the demand for them is increasing, especially in the Arab region, due to their high speed and enjoyment. He pointed out that the Egyptian Federation currently has over 40,000 registered players and 200 officially registered clubs, reflecting the significant interest in the sport in Egypt and the region. Shadly indicated that finswimming has become a complement to other aquatic sports such as freediving, long-distance swimming, and water polo. He noted that some swimmers who do not achieve remarkable results in traditional swimming switch to fins and become champions in this sport due to the difference in the nature of performance and required strength. He concluded by emphasizing that finswimming will be one of the most important aquatic sports in the world in the coming years, especially in the Gulf region, thanks to the great attention from sports federations and clubs in promoting the sport and supporting its champions. 400 athletes are participating in the Finswimming World Cup competitions in Abu Dhabi, representing 51 clubs and academies from 21 countries.
