The Black Pharaoh – The Sudanese Giant of River and Sea(From the confluence of the Niles to Scandinavia)
Dr. Osama Mohamed Abdelrahim
Despite Sudan’s vast water wealth—stretching from the Red Sea and its long coastline to the Nile and its tributaries, including the White Nile, the Blue Nile, the Atbara, Dinder, and Rahad Rivers—the country has long failed to harness these natural assets. Neither Khartoum, the capital, nor Port Sudan, the nation’s main port, has developed water sports, skills, and recreational activities to match this abundance. Sudan has remained poor in tapping into the potential of its rivers and seas.
Enter Captain Abdullah Khalfallah—a proud Sudanese, Ukrainian citizen, and graduate of the Ukrainian Naval Academy. Living in a country advanced in marine industries and sports, Abdullah dedicated himself to adapting what he learned abroad for the benefit of Sudan. His vision was to transfer knowledge, innovations, and ideas home, in hopes of sparking development and creating opportunities for his people.
In 2017, Abdullah surprised many by founding the Khartoum Water Sports Club, which quickly became a hub for enthusiasts and drew growing numbers of participants until it bustled with life. That same year, he introduced the idea of powerboat racing to the heart of Khartoum—a historic moment that marked the launch of “The Black Pharaoh”, Sudan’s first powerboat racing team. The debut coincided with the city’s first-ever speedboat race, staged dramatically at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles.
At the time, Abdullah invited GiAD Industrial Group, through its marine subsidiary Sabihat for Marine Industries, to serve as a patron and supporter of the initiative. It was both a personal and institutional honor to take part in nurturing and developing this pioneering project.
In 2018, The Black Pharaoh competed in its first international tournament, clinching the Estonian Powerboat Championship. Momentum was later halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the devastating war imposed on Sudan. Yet, the dream endured.
Today, in the midst of that very war, The Black Pharaoh has emerged as a maritime giant, raising Sudan’s flag high on the global stage. In 2025, the team triumphed in the Scandinavian Championship, defeating 32 international teams—an achievement made possible through planning and preparation that was 100% Sudanese. Alongside this victory, the team has secured other titles and top placements, including winning the opening round of the Belgium Grand Prix just days ago, where they raced under the banner: “Competing for Peace in Sudan”, drawing international attention to the country’s plight.
Special thanks go to Captain Abdullah Khalfallah, who has proven that individual determination can translate into a national achievement. Gratitude is also owed to everyone—seen and unseen—who contributed to the success of The Black Pharaoh. These champions have lifted Sudan’s name high in a time of war and despair. And this is only the beginning: what started as a small dream on the Nile in Khartoum has become a global reality, now witnessed on the waters of Scandinavia.
Dr. Osama Mohamed Abdelrahim
