The lives of the ancestors in the UAE were closely linked to the sea, a source of abundant goodness and livelihood. The traditional local sailing boat races organised by DIMC serve as a beautiful message to revive those vivid images in the nation's memory.
DIMC organises traditional sailing boat events in different categories, including races for 22ft, 43ft, and 60ft boats.
The Al Gaffal race, established in 1991, is a popular carnival and a significant sporting event that marks the end of the pearl diving season. It attracts the participation of more than 3,000 sailors, renewing the memories of ancestors' journeys at sea in search of pearls in the Arabian Gulf's diving areas.
The first race took place on May 23rd, 1991, with 53 boats in the 43ft dhow sailing category, where the crew of the boat "Al Owir 47" won the title. The event saw a significant transformation in the third edition in 1993, with two races for the 60ft and 43ft categories. The 60ft boats proved their ability to withstand the Arabian Gulf's waves, leading to their official inclusion from the fourth edition onwards.
Dubai International Marine Club has approved the formation of the Supreme Organising Committee for the 35 th Edition of Al Gaffal Race for 60ft Dhows, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The decision was taken during the club’s second regular Board of Directors meeting for 2026.
The newly formed Supreme Organising Committee will be chaired by Dr Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, with Saif Juma Al Suwaidi serving as Vice-Chairman. Its members include Khalid Khamis bin Dismal, Khalid Ali Al Balooshi, and Mohammed Abdullah Harib, CEO of Dubai International Marine Club, while Mohammed Fadhel Al Sadi has been appointed as Committee Rapporteur.
Dr Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his continued support for marine sports in Dubai, especially Al Gaffal Race, which continues its successful journey in line with the vision of its founder, the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, may he rest in peace.
He said that Al Gaffal Race, since its launch in 1991, has established itself as one of the oldest, most important and most prominent heritage marine sporting events in the Gulf region and the Arab world, reflecting the commitment of the UAE leadership to preserving national heritage and passing on the values and traditions of the forefathers to future generations.
He added that the race embodies the deep connection between the people of the UAE and the sea, which for generations represented a source of livelihood and goodness, while also serving as a platform that promotes sporting competition and community engagement.
In light of the exceptional geopolitical developments currently witnessed in the region, the Board of Directors affirmed that the Supreme Organising Committee will directly oversee the follow-up and assessment of the situation in order to ensure the safety of all participants and organisers. Accordingly, it was decided that the proposed time window for staging the race will be on one of the days between 16 and 31 May, subject to continuous evaluation.
The committee is also working on developing alternative plans in line with the evolving situation, while ensuring the readiness of the logistical and technical aspects and maintaining coordination with the relevant government entities to secure the maritime race course in accordance with the highest public safety standards.
Dubai International Marine Club stressed that Al Gaffal Race, launched in 1991 as a message of loyalty to the heritage of the fathers and grandfathers, will remain a symbol of national identity and an authentic expression of the UAE’s rich maritime legacy. The club said the organising committee is continuing its preparations to deliver the 35th Edition in a manner befitting the race’s history and status, once conditions stabilise and the appropriate circumstances are in place for the event to be held in the waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Over the years, Al Gaffal Race has developed into a major heritage and maritime event anticipated annually by the public, bringing together more than 3,000 people in a unique sporting and cultural scene across the Arabian Gulf. Covering a distance of more than 50 nautical miles, the race revives the memory of the traditional return journey from the pearl diving season.
Dubai International Marine Club had organised the 34th Edition of the race on 2nd May last year, which witnessed the participation of more than 110 dhows. Zilzal 25 claimed the title after crossing the finish line off Burj Al Arab in first place, securing its fourth title.
Dubai, UAE – Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Al Nasr Sports Club, received a delegation from the Supreme Organizing Committee of the 35th Al Gaffal Long Distance Race to discuss preparations and finalize arrangements for the upcoming edition of the prestigious heritage event, which has been approved to take place in October 2026.
The race is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
During the meeting, discussions focused on selecting the most suitable timing for the race to ensure optimal organizational and technical conditions for owners, captains, sailors, and participants. The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining the race’s distinguished position as one of the UAE’s premier maritime heritage events.
Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the continued support and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting its vital role in sustaining and developing the Al Gaffal Race over the years. He noted that this support has helped reinforce the race’s status as one of the most significant sporting and heritage events connected to the UAE’s rich maritime identity.
His Highness directed the organizing committee to facilitate participation for all competitors, address any challenges facing owners, captains, and sailors, and ensure that the race is delivered to the highest standards through close cooperation with strategic partners. He stressed the importance of building on the event’s long-standing successes and record participation figures achieved in recent editions.
The delegation included Dr. Ahmed Saeed bin Meshar, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, alongside committee members Khalid Khamis bin Dasmal, Khalid Ali Al Balooshi, and Mohammed Abdullah Harib Al Falasi. The meeting also reviewed operational plans and the ongoing preparations of Dubai International Marine Club to host another successful edition that upholds the race’s organizational, public, and media achievements.
Established in 1991 by its founder, the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Al Gaffal Race was created to preserve and celebrate the maritime heritage of the UAE. Dedicated for traditional 60-foot dhows sailing boat, the race commemorates the historic journeys of pearl divers returning from sea and serves as a lasting tribute to the resilience and traditions of the nation’s seafaring ancestors.
Dr. Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar expressed his sincere appreciation to Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his continued support and guidance. He affirmed that such encouragement motivates the organizing committee to intensify its efforts and deliver an exceptional edition worthy of the race’s history and cultural significance.
He further noted that the Al Gaffal Race remains one of the most important milestones in Emirati maritime sports, reflecting the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum to preserve the heritage of traditional sailing and honor the role these vessels played in the history and development of coastal communities across the UAE.
Bin Meshar added that the committee is proud to continue this legacy under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and with the ongoing support of Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ensuring the race remains one of the region’s leading heritage and sporting events.
The Al Gaffal Race attracts wide participation from the maritime sports community, bringing together thousands of sailors and enthusiasts in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Competitors cover a course exceeding 50 nautical miles before reaching the finish line off the coast of Dubai. The previous edition featured more than 110 participating vessels, with Zilzal 25, owned by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and captained by Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, securing its fourth Al Gaffal title.
As preparations continue for the 35th edition, the Supreme Organizing Committee remains committed to further strengthening the race’s position as a flagship national and cultural event, while preserving and passing on the UAE’s rich maritime heritage to future generations.
