The teams began qualifying for the 20th Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi on Thursday, and the CTIC China Team had a strong showing with their boats winning fourth and tenth on the grid.

Philippe Chiappe of the CTIC China Team was piloting the Moore French-built boat. He chasing his first career victory in the series, and he was good enough in qualifying to place fourth. Swede Pierre Lundin for the CTIC China Team rounded out the top ten.

Qatar Team driver Alex Carella fought off sickness and seventeen other drivers to capture his second pole position of the season and the fourth of his career, clocking in at 49.66 seconds. Norwegian Marit Stromoy from Team Nautica will start second and Ahmed Al Hameli of Team Abu Dhabi third.