Today (Saturday), attention is shifting to the Dubai Water Canal for fans and enthusiasts of traditional sports as the 27th Al Maktoum Cup Traditional Rowing Race - 30ft is set to kick off at three o'clock in the afternoon, organized by the Dubai International Marine Club as part of the 2023-2024 sports season.
This significant race is considered the conclusion of the club’s activities for the year 2023 and plays an important role as one of the oldest races, now in its 27th edition since it started in the 1997-1998 season with the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to preserve the legacy of our forefathers.
300
The race brings together up to 300 rowing sailors who competed to secure the top position in the most expensive traditional rowing race. They participated in two qualifying rounds organized by the club on the 25th of November and the 9th of December. After these rounds, it was announced the top 20 boats qualified to participate in the local class run, and the top 10 boats qualified for the open class run, which is designated for boats from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and teams of government departments and national institutions.
20
The first half for the local class run will be participated by the following boat : Wadi Sahm (2) , Al Saroukh (7), Al zaabi (8), Heniam (9), Wadi Al Seeji (11), Anad(1), Zilzal 1 (16), Shati Dibba (24), Ras Al Khaimah (27), Al Kous (35), Al Asifa (36), Atlas (39), Balbala(43), Ras Al Khaimah (50), Zilzal (51), Jalfar (55), Al Saroukh (60), Al Zahab (65), Wadi Ham1 (88) and Wadi Ham 2 (99)
10
The second half for the open class run which will be participated by the following boat : Dubai Police (3), Men Jumeirah(4), Shabab Suhar (22), Dubai Police (30), Avon Center (31), Belarab (44), KHK (54), Tornado(84), A25 Team (87) and Maysour (90)
2.3
The participation procedure will commence around 1:00 PM, starting with the organizing committee meeting and all the participants. Following this, participants will line up at the starting line, located 2.3 KM from the finish line where the race will begin as soon as the green flag was raised for both halves (Local Class Run & Open Class Run)
Festivity and Show
Mohammed Al Marri, Director of the Sports Affairs Department at the Dubai International Marine Club, has confirmed the completion of all preparations for the upcoming large sporting event. He emphasized that the event will transform into a grand Gulf heritage festivity, featuring the active participation of numerous supporting parties.
Al Marri revealed that the event will extend beyond the waters of the Dubai Water Canal. Al Jaddaf Walk Square, a vibrant destination in the heart of Dubai, will serve as the venue for various events. This includes the Modern Boat Show, organized in partnership with the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, aimed at blending the authenticity of heritage with modern rowing practices and introducing the public to its diverse categories.
The Director of the Sports Affairs Department at the Dubai International Marine Club added that the site will also witness, for the first time, music performances by the musical band of the Dubai Police, while the organizing committee will provide a popular food corner and food trucks that will serve the public and participants.
He confirmed that the club’s organizing committee, in cooperation with the VIP Ambulance Services Company, will organize a free initiative for all participants and guests of the event by conducting an optional examination of vital signs (blood pressure, weight, and blood oxygen levels), in addition to awareness-raising side lectures for first aid.
15:00
Dubai Media Incorporated, represented by Dubai Sports TV Channels in their continuous support in traditional races will broadcast the race live at 15:00 HRS under the supervision of Abdul Rahman Amin, Director General Dubai Sports Channels and the operation team led by Abdul Khaleq Al Khamis and with the creative director specializing in watersprts Mohammed Saeed Al Ketbi, the voice of our colleague Abdullah Bouzenjal, and in field interview with Youssef Ibrahim and Ismail Abdul Latif in production.
