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 43ft tradition dhow sailing races are the oldest and most prestigious among all dhow sailing racing categories. The first race was held on Dubai's beaches on January 29th, 1988, coinciding with the establishment of Dubai International Marine Club, which began its journey in 1988. One of the main events since its inception, the race witnessed the participation of 19 boats, with the title going to the boat "Almals 15."
Historical records show that the first two editions of the Al Gaffal race in 1991 and 1992, covering long distances from Sir Bu Nair Island to Dubai's shores were 43ft dhow sailing boats. In the third edition, a combined race featured both categories 43ft & 60ft, with the 60ft dhow sailing boats officially replacing the 43ft category from the fourth edition onwards, due to their better ability to withstand the waves.
