Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 31 October 2025: Repton Abu Dhabi proudly hosted His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, on Friday, 24th October 2025, for the official launch of the SailGP Mubadala Schools Programme—a global educational initiative that merges science, innovation, and sustainability through the lens of competitive sailing.
The event began with a special school assembly celebrating the students’ achievements and enthusiasm for the programme. Distinguished guests included His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Mr. Hadi Saeed Zeyad Jaafar Al Askari, Senior Vice President and Head of Sponsorship at Mubadala, and Mr. Mohammed Alobeidli, General Secretary of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation. Their presence made the occasion both memorable and inspiring for the entire Repton community.
Students had the opportunity to engage first-hand with the SailGP initiative, gaining insights into how science and technology shape modern sailing. They participated in interactive workshops and activities that demonstrated the role of physics, wind power, and engineering in propelling high-speed racing boats. The programme also included practical sessions such as balancing on stability boards and learning to maneuver wind foiling sail wings, giving students a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind elite sailing competitions.
Commenting on the visit, Steven Lupton, Principal of Repton Abu Dhabi, said: “It was an honour to welcome His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan and representatives from Mubadala and the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation. The SailGP Mubadala Schools Programme offered our students a unique platform to explore how science and sport intersect. It encouraged them to embrace innovation, sustainability, and responsibility—values deeply embedded in our educational ethos.”
A major highlight of the SailGP Mubadala Schools Programme is its emphasis on environmental sustainability. The sessions encouraged students to consider how sports can play a vital role in protecting the planet. Through interactive discussions, they learned about ocean conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable practices that can be applied in daily life to reduce waste and protect marine ecosystems.
As part of SailGP’s worldwide educational outreach, the programme seeks to empower young learners to think creatively about the future of clean technology and global sustainability. The visit to Repton Abu Dhabi reinforced the importance of collaboration between education, sport, and innovation—aligning perfectly with the UAE’s vision for nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious and forward-thinking leaders.
