Maldives’ premier kiteboarding competition returns as Raaraa Pro 2026 begins
The second edition of Raaraa Pro, the Maldives’ premier kiteboarding competition, officially began on 1 June 2026 in Dhiffushi, bringing together local and international riders for six days of competition, community engagement, and adventure tourism activities.
The event was officially inaugurated by Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), reaffirming VMC’s commitment to supporting sports and adventure tourism initiatives that diversify the Maldives’ tourism offering and showcase the country’s natural assets to global audiences.
Organised by Iconic Events with Visit Maldives Corporation as the Destination Collaboration Partner, Raaraa Pro returns following its successful inaugural edition in 2025. Running from 1 to 6 June 2026, this year’s competition expands beyond its original slalom racing format to include freestyle kiteboarding, creating a broader platform for athletes across different disciplines and skill levels.
The event has attracted a growing number of participants and spectators, particularly among youth and adventure travel audiences. At the same time, it serves as a platform to showcase Dhiffushi as a destination for watersports, outdoor recreation, and island-based tourism experiences.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ibrahim Shiuree highlighted the role of events such as Raaraa Pro in broadening the Maldives’ tourism appeal.
“The Maldives is globally recognised for its natural beauty, but we are also a destination with tremendous potential for sports and adventure tourism. Events such as Raaraa Pro help showcase the diversity of experiences available across our islands while creating opportunities for local communities, youth engagement, and tourism development. We are pleased to support the continued growth of this event and its contribution to positioning the Maldives as a destination for active and experiential travel,” he said.
A key feature of this year’s event is its focus on accessibility and participation. The competition brings together riders ranging from beginners to experienced professionals across multiple age groups, creating an inclusive environment that encourages the development of kiteboarding in the Maldives.
The event also introduces a live scoring platform, allowing participants and spectators to follow competition results in real time. In addition, a kiteboarding clinic for children is being conducted by experienced athletes, providing young participants with introductory training in safety, equipment handling, and the fundamentals of the sport.
This year’s event ambassador is Visaam Mohamed (Thotho), who finished third in the inaugural edition and returns with a team of 12 riders, further strengthening local participation and competition.
Beyond the sporting programme, Raaraa Pro 2026 features art and food stalls, interactive activities, trivia sessions, and evening movie screenings, creating a festival atmosphere that extends beyond the competition itself and encourages greater community involvement.
Comprehensive safety measures have been implemented throughout the event with support from the Maldives Police Service, Dhiffushi Health Centre, and a dedicated on-water safety team comprising lifeguards, a speedboat, and two jetskis. An athlete committee has also been established to ensure all participants receive detailed safety briefings prior to competition.
Raaraa Pro 2026 reflects the continued growth of niche tourism segments in the Maldives while highlighting the country’s potential as a destination for adventure, sports, and community-based experiences.
