The Dubai Traditional Rowing Championship – 30ft kicks off this Saturday on the waters of Dubai Canal, organized by Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).
This season marks the 28th edition of the championship since it was launched in the 1996-1997 season, in line with the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event has steadily grown, becoming an annual fixture on the club's agenda. It has played a pivotal role in transforming from a local event into a popular Gulf sports gathering, one of the most exciting traditional races in the region.
Before the start of the current season, the club, in coordination with boat owners and captains, implemented new specifications for the shape of the boats, and new measurements were approved to ensure the sustainability of this heritage. These changes are part of an effort to align the competition with the club’s regulations. The race will be divided into two categories: one for local teams, and another for teams from the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as boats from companies and institutions.
Mohammed Al Marri, Director of Sports Affairs at DIMC, said: "For the first time, participants will compete within one month for the titles of the first and second rounds of the Dubai Championship, starting next Saturday and continuing on Saturday, the 23rd of this month. These races will qualify them for the 27th edition of the Al Maktoum Cup, which is scheduled for Saturday, the 30th of this month, as the closing ceremony for the Dubai Championship for Traditional Rowing Races – 30ft."
Al Marri emphasized the importance of early collaboration with success partners from government departments and national institutions to ensure the event’s success. The race will take place in its usual location in Al Jaddaf Walk, near the Dubai Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.
The club also announced the opening of registration for the upcoming race, which will remain open until Friday, with the entry list being announced prior to race day on Saturday, where the participants will have the draw and pre-race meeting.
1997
It’s worth mentioning that the first Dubai Traditional Rowing Race – 30ft was held on 7th March 1997, with 12 boats competing in one round. The title was won by the crew of boat no. 2, Fatah Al Moeen, led by Captain Khalifa Ali Al Nazr.
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