The registration for the second round of the Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race closes today, Friday, which is organized by the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) set to commence tomorrow, Saturday, as part of the current sports season 2023-2024.

The upcoming race plays a significant role for all the captains and sailors, representing an important milestone and rehearsal in preparation for the 33rd Al Gaffal Race, which commences from Sir Bu Nair Island to Dubai shore. 

The organizing committee is set to release the Entry List of participants for the anticipated race, which will be broadcast live via Dubai Sports TV from start to finish.

In coordination with government departments and national institutions, the organizing committee has made all necessary arrangements for the race, starting from the depths of Arabian Gulf Waters and ending near the Burj Al Arab Hotel, covering a distance of 20 nautical miles.

The race organizing committee is closely monitoring incoming reports on sea conditions and expected wind speeds for tomorrow afternoon to ensure optimal conditions for the race and the safety of all the participants.

It is worth noting that in the first round of the Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race (60ft) organized by the Dubai International Marine Club last October, 'Zilzal' boat no. 25, led by Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, secured first place. Following closely behind was 'Al Tabr' boat no. 55, skippered by Mohammad Suhail Al Muhairi, securing second place, while the crew of boat no. 211 'Nimran,' captained by Ali Abdullah Al-Marzouki, secured the third position.

1993

In 2023, the 60ft Dhow Sailing Race marks its thirty-first season, having been inaugurated during the third edition of the Al Gaffal Long Distance Race in 1993. This race covers the journey from Sir Bu Nair Island, passing through the waters of the Arabian Gulf to the picturesque shores of Dubai.

Over the course of three decades, the 60ft Dhow Sailing Race has embarked on a remarkable journey under the auspices of the Dubai International Marine Club. This category was established as a translation of the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose contributions have left indelible marks on the history of marine sports. These efforts have significantly supported the development of traditional races, with the aim of preserving the legacy of their forefathers for future generations.

The Al Gaffal Race, which commenced in 1991, initially featured competition among 43ft Dhow Sailing Race during its first edition in 1991 and its second edition in 1992. It was in the third edition in 1993 that a significant milestone was reached, marking the inception of a dual race that included two categories: 43ft dhow boats and 60ft dhow boats.

In 1994, it was officially approved that only 60ft Dhow boats would participate in the fourth edition of the Al Gaffal Race. This tradition has endured and prospered, with the most recent edition taking place last June 2023, marking its 32nd year.

36

The inaugural event of the 60ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, hosted by the Dubai International Marine Club, took place on May 26, 1993. Sixteen boats participated, and it was boat number 36, "Mansour," that claimed the championship title.