The Higher Organizing Committee has commenced its preparations for the highly anticipated 32nd Al Gaffal Long Distance Race, dedicated to the 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Boats. With the aim of ensuring the event's resounding success, the committee has diligently crafted a strategic action plan.

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, the race will be organized by the Dubai International Marine Club from the 26th to the 28th of May 2023. Participants will embark on a challenging journey, commencing from Sir Bu Na'air Island towards the shores of Dubai.

The Dubai International Marine Club has established the supreme organizing committee, led by Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, Chairman of the Club's Board of Directors, and supported by Deputy Chairman Saif Juma Al Suwaidi. Accompanying them are esteemed committee members, including Rashid Thani Al Aail and Ali Saeed bin Thalith, both esteemed DIMC Board Members, as well as Mohammed Harib, the CEO of DIMC, and Mohammed Al Sadi, serving as the Secretary.

To ensure meticulous coordination, the organizing committee recently convened a comprehensive meeting with its esteemed partners from government departments and national institutions. The purpose of this gathering was to address critical aspects such as safety protocols, logistical arrangements, and technical requirements essential to the smooth execution of the race.

Chaired by Mohammed Harib, a member of the organizing committee, the meeting welcomed esteemed representatives from DIMC, government departments, national institutions, and even the media sector. Dignitaries from Dubai Police, the General Administration of the Ports Police Station, Sharjah Police, the Vital Facilities and Coastal Protection Department (Fourth Squadron Command), Dubai Media Corporation, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center were among the attendees.

Mohammed Harib, as a member of the organizing committee, expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his unwavering support, encouragement, and invaluable directives that have contributed to the race's success. He underscored the significance of teamwork and the facilitation of participants' safe arrival at the finish line.

In addition, Harib conveyed warm greetings and well wishes from his fellow committee members, the chairman, and the entire organizing committee on the momentous occasion of the 32nd edition of the Al Gaffal race, which coincides with the club's 35th anniversary.

During the preparatory meeting, all matters concerning the race's schedule, approved by the event's patron, were thoroughly discussed. Consideration was given to expected sea conditions and safety measures for the participants. The attendees received detailed briefings on the race's challenging route, spanning over 50 nautical miles. Moreover, meticulous arrangements were made to ensure the secure arrival of the club's convoy and participants at Sir Bu Na'air Island before the commencement of the race.

Attentive to the requirements expressed by working crews, representatives from various government departments and national institutions had an opportunity to convey their insights. Emphasizing the spirit of collaboration, all stakeholders will join forces as a unified entity to guarantee the resounding success of the event, which will witness the participation of approximately 3,000 individuals at the starting point on Sir Bu Na'air Island. The race aims to embody the remarkable legacy of the past, retracing the steps of our forefathers and ancestors who shared a profound connection with the sea, a source of abundance and livelihood.