H.E Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, Chairman of Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) & Vice President of UAE Marine Sports Federation (UAEMSF) thanked His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, for his support of the 31^st edition of the Al Gaffal Long Distance Race which will be held from Sir Bu Na’air Island to Dubai Coast exclusively for 60ft Dhow Sailing category.

He stressed that the continuation of this event reflects the enthusiasm of our wise leaders in reviving the past of their forefathers and in preserving the great heritage, which reflects on how their ancestor life was linked to the sea that offered them a safe haven and abundant livelihood.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors at DIMC added that His Highness’s Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum meeting with the club’s delegates reveal the great interest and devotion of His Highness to watersports particularly in traditional races. His Highness directed the club to coordinate with various government entities to ensure the safety and security of participants by efficiently organizing the race which received an overwhelming response and popularity among the community in the country for three decades now.

Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar explained that the directives of His Highness will remain the focus of the organizing committee in preparing for the 31^st edition of the Al Gaffal on the 27^th-29^th of May which will conclude the DIMC’s water sports season 2021-2022.

The Al Gaffal Race which is organized under the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai on its 31^st edition, is the oldest traditional race in the Gulf & Arab Region since its inception in 1991 that has passed through generations.

Al Gaffal was founded by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which became an annual tradition that brings together more than 3000 people in Sir Bu Na’air Island sailing towards Dubai Coast for 50 nautical miles in commemorating the UAE’s culture in fishing and pearl diving.

Dubai International Marine Club organized last year the 30^th edition of the Al Gaffal Long Distance Race that achieved a huge success represented by more than 100 boat participants wherein the crew of Nimran 211 succeeded to reach first the finish line near Ain Dubai in Bluewater's Island.