The Board of Directors of the Dubai International Marine Club appreciated the continued support and great interest of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, which contributed to the success of the thirty-third edition of the Al Gaffal Race from Sir Bu Nair Island to Dubai Shore, recently held under His Highness's patronage and support.
During its monthly meeting held last Tuesday, chaired by the DIMC’s Chairman H.E. Ahmad Saeed Bin Meshar, and attended by Saif Juma Al Suwaidi, Vice Chairman, along with members Khalid bin Dasmal, Khalid Al Balooshi, and Mohammed Abdullah Harib Al Falahi, CEO of DIMC, the Board praised the support of the country’s wise leadership for this segment of society and the continuation of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum's legacy and vision.
The Board of Directors extended its sincere thanks to Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Al Nasr Cultural and Sports Club; Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Hatta Cultural and Sports Club; and Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their continued interest and follow-up of the event. The Board also thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Marine Sports Federation (UAEMSF), for attending the awarding ceremony of the 33rd edition of the Al Gaffal Race.
The Board of Directors of the Dubai International Marine Club recorded a message of thanks to the success partners, supporting government departments, and national institutions, which contributed effectively to the success of the thirty-third edition of the Al Gaffal Race, which witnessed several stages in moving from the island to the journey returning to Dubai Shore.
During the meeting, the Board of Directors approved the final report of the race submitted by the Higher Organizing Committee and the support committees, in preparation for submitting it to the Dubai Sports Council. The report included all the organizational, financial, and technical points that accompanied the thirty-third edition of the race, which was distinguished from past editions by the challenges that the organizing committee faced before and during the race.
The Board of Directors of the Dubai International Marine Club approved the calendar for the new season 2024-2025, which includes 20 diverse watersports events such as traditional races, modern races, powerboat races, and festivals. The season is set to commence in September 2024 and conclude in May 2025 with the 34th edition of the Al Gaffal Race.
The approved calendar features the organization of the first GCC Modern Sailing event for People of Determination in October, as well as the final round of the UIM XCAT World Powerboat Championship 2024 during the first week of December.
At the meeting, the Board of Directors praised the distinguished results achieved by the Victory Team Department wherein the Victory 4, led by Erik Stark, is leading the F1H2O World Powerboat Championship with 55 points after the first two rounds held in Indonesia and Vietnam. Additionally, the Victory Team made a successful comeback in the XCAT World Powerboat Championship, led by the duo Salem Al Adidi and Eisa Al Ali, who accumulated 65 points after the first round in Fujairah.
The meeting also reviewed the preparations currently being made by the Victory Team Department to compete in the remaining rounds of the World Powerboat Championship, which will be held in Italy in Regione Sardegna from June 14-16 while the XCAT World Powerboat Championship will follow in Italy from July 19-21. The Board of Directors directed the management to provide full support to the teams and to motivate the champions participating in the upcoming rounds.
They also praised the innovative steps taken by the Victory Academy through its role in actively spreading awareness of Modern Sailing via its Learn to Sail Initiative. Additionally, the Academy's program for discovering and qualifying new racers in powerboat racing sports includes physical and fitness tests, dunk tests, and boat testing for those who express their desire to join the Victory Team.
The Board of Directors of the Dubai International Marine Club launched a program for functional and institutional excellence aimed at motivating and encouraging employees, workers, and organizational units within the club to achieve strategic objectives. This program seeks to develop and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of job performance by implementing a set of procedures and policies that enhance innovation, encourage initiative and creativity, and promote team spirit and cooperation among employees.
During the meeting, the Council approved the Career Excellence Award, which includes four categories:
