Marine sports enthusiasts in Dubai are eagerly anticipating the 27th edition of the Al Maktoum Cup Traditional Rowing Race – 30ft, the most expensive and significant segment of the Traditional Rowing Race – 30ft. This event marks the conclusion of the 2023-2024 sports season at the Dubai International Marine Club and will take place on Saturday.

The upcoming event holds a great importance as it brings together elite fans of this sport, representing its rich history and authenticity while reviving the heritage of the United Arab Emirates, the peoples of the Arabian Gulf region and the coast of Oman. The competition reaches its final round with the conclusion of the Dubai Championship, determining the top boats that qualified to compete in the most expensive traditional rowing race.

It was first organized by the Dubai International Marine Club in the 1997-1998 season, the race will be held along the Dubai Water Canal, near the Wildlife Sanctuary, covering a race distance of 2.3 KM. Participants will enjoy a stunning view of the Burj Khalifa skyline, the Business Bay, and the facade of Dubai Harbour. 

The race will attract up to 300 sailors on board more than 30 boats competing in two categories: the local class dedicated to the top 20 elite boats in Dubai, and the open class for participants from the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC), government, and national institutions. The race is scheduled to start at three o'clock in the afternoon.

The organizing committee at the Dubai International Marine Club has already commenced preparations for the success of the event, which is expected to become one of the biggest celebrations for traditional sports. Coordination is underway with success partners from government departments and national institutions.

In the current marine sports season 2023-2024, the Dubai International Marine Club successfully organized the first two round races on the twenty-fifth of last November and the second on the ninth of this month, both receiving significant participation from the people of the country and from the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries and residents.

The first round of the Dubai Championship witnessed the victory of the boats Al Asifa 36 (Local Class) and KHK 54 (Open Class), while the second round saw the triumph of the boats Atlas 39 (Local Class) and Shabab Sohar 22 (Open Class).