The Higher Organizing Committee of the 33rd Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has approved the Umm Suqeim Beach Jumeirah as the location to host the 33rd Al Gaffal Village which will witness the awarding ceremony for the winners of the race which is scheduled for next Wednesday.
The great race was founded by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and has been organized by the Dubai International Marine Club since 1991. It commences from Sir Bu Nair Island, passes through Moon Island, and concludes at the Dubai shore, covering a race distance of more than 50 nautical miles.
121 dhow boats have confirmed their participation in the event, wherein on Wednesday, they will retrace the footsteps of their forefathers, returning home from diving and fishing trips in search of abundant livelihoods.
The Al Gaffal Village is located at Jumeirah Open Beach near Umm Suqeim Public Park and close to the Burj Al Arab Public Beach, which will open on Tuesday according to the race plan of the Higher Organizing Committee.
The village will host the Dubai Media Incorporated studio, which will provide special coverage of the event through Dubai Sports TV Channel, as well as the Zayed Heritage Museum under the supervision of Saleh Hanbaluh Al Shehhi. The museum will display diving collectibles and tools, alongside the participation of Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defense, and various other entities.
Khalid Ali Al Balooshi, a member of the Higher Organizing Committee of the 33rd Al Gaffal Race, welcomed all boat owners and sailors participating in the event. The race is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, who praised the significant turnout this year. The number of participants has reached 121 before the registration deadline.
He stated that the race has earned a place in the hearts of the people of the Emirates, serving as a heritage display of patriotism that recalls a memorable era from the past, reviving the image of forefathers returning from diving trips and fishing in search of livelihoods.
The member of the Higher Organizing Committee of the 33rd Al Gaffal Race extended his wishes to everyone for good luck, success, and a safe arrival at the finish line. He praised the excellent cooperation that the Higher Organizing Committee receives from the success partners of government departments and national institutions, as well as the existing collaboration between the organizing committee and the event participants.
