The Dubai International Marine Club's (DIMC) Board of Directors, led by its Chairman Ahmad Saeed Bin Meshar, has officially approved the event calendar for the upcoming 2023-2024 sports season. This extensive calendar encompasses a diverse range of activities aligned with the club's strategic plan for the years 2021 to 2027.
During a recent Board Member meeting chaired by DIMC Chairman Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar and attended by Vice Chairman Saif Juma Al Suwaidi, as well as board members Rashid Thani Al Ail, Essa Nasser, Khalid Al Balooshi, Khalid bin Dasmal, and Ali Bin Thalith, the club collectively established the 23rd of this month as the inaugural date for these activities and the commencement of the new season 2023-2024.
During this meeting, the board deliberated on reports from the club's sports department and outlined their vision for the upcoming season which will commence with the first round of the Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race (22ft), uniting the youth and junior categories on the 23rd of this month. These races will continue until April, culminating in the 33rd edition of the Al Gaffal Long-Distance Race, featuring the 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Boats, which will set sail from Sir Bu Nu'air Island and conclude on the shores of Dubai.
The club's Board of Directors expressed their sincere wishes for the administrative unit, organizing committee, juries, and all participants for the success of the new sports season. They also commended their outstanding commitment to promoting water sports activities at the forefront of national interest.
Additionally, the board directed the club's executive management to continue their efforts and work as a unified team in line with the "Year of Sustainability" theme, "Today for Tomorrow." This underscores the leadership's dedication to prioritizing national sustainability and aligning with the upcoming significant event, COP 28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Expo 2020 Dubai from 30th of November to 12th December.
The Board of Directors also emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in providing exceptional opportunities for the club's athletes during various events. This preparation aims to enable their participation in official competitions for the national teams, thereby reinforcing the UAE's distinguished presence in global and international sporting events. These include the upcoming 33rd Summer Olympics scheduled to be held in Paris next year, from 26th of July to 11th of August , and the preceding 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, taking place this month until 8th of October.
The Board of Directors also praised the success of the last season 2022-2023, in which the club was awarded for its sustainability efforts in sports, as part of the 9th edition of the Dubai Sports Excellence Model. DIMC is committed to environmental friendly racing, with 79% of the club's races are being eco-friendly. This achievement serves as motivation to continue innovating in the future.
The upcoming season's activities include traditional races such as the Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Races for 22ft, 43ft, 60ft, and Dubai Traditional Rowing Races for 30ft. The season highlights include the 33rd edition of the Al Gaffal Long-Distance Race, marking the grand finale of the season. Additionally, the Dubai Modern Sailing Competition, Stand-Up Paddling, Kayak, and the Dubai Kitesurf Open are part of the season's lineup.
Furthermore, community-oriented activities are also a focal point of the events, with various festivals organized alongside the races. These include the Dubai Fishing Competition 2024 for kingfish and cobia, as well as kayak fishing for single, double, and electric kayaks, and modern rowing boats
