The Higher Organizing Committee of the 32nd Al Gaffal 60ft Dhow Sailing Race, has approved the finish line near the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel. The race starts from Sir Bu Nair Island and passes through Moon Island, covering a distance of over 50 nautical miles to reach the finish line.

This prestigious race is held under the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. Organized by the Dubai International Marine Club, it serves as the season finale for 2022-2023. 

The event holds great significance as it is the largest, most prestigious, and highly anticipated race in terms of participation. It pays homage to the heritage of the ancestors while sending a message to future generations, inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who inaugurated the Al Gaffal race in 1991 and annually held since then.

The organizing committee monitors the weather forecast based on meteorological reports from the National Center of Meteorology. Earlier, it was decided to postpone the start of the race, which was scheduled for today (Friday), to a new date that will be announced later.  

The first stage of the race will be from Sir Bu Na'air Island towards Moon Island, covering a distance of up to 26 nautical miles. Afterward, the participants will head from Moon Island towards the finish line opposite the Burj Al Arab Hotel, covering a distance of up to 27 nautical miles, with total of around 53 nautical miles.