The Higher Organizing Committee of the 33rd edition of the Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, is continuing its efforts to organize and ensure the success of this anticipated heritage event, scheduled from May 11th to 19th.

Dubai International Marine Club has been organizing this race since 1991 for the 60ft Dhow Sailing Race category, starting from Sir Bu Na’air Island, passing through Moon Island, and finishing at the Dubai shore, covering a distance of more than 50 nautical miles.

The Higher Organizing Committee, headed by Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, Chairman of the Board of Directors at DIMC, has developed plans and programs for the 33rd edition of the race. The Higher Organizing Committee, Support Committee, and strategic partners are focusing their efforts to accomplish various tasks.

Mohammed Abdulla Harib, a member of the Higher Organizing Committee and Race Supervisor, stated that the organizing committee is working to complete several important aspects. These include securing transportation and the arrival of the committees working on the event, support units, and participants to Sir Bu Nair Island before the race day. The start of the race will be determined according to the state of the sea and after a decision by the organizing committee, which closely monitors the weather forecast around the clock.

He confirmed that the principle of security and safety of participants is a top priority for the Higher Organizing Committee. Therefore, the committee will focus with supporting partners on achieving this in cooperation with boat owners, captains, and sailors, to ensure the success of the race which will conclude the 2023-2024 sports season.

Harib added, “The organizing committee is also working on preparing the 33rd Al Gaffal Race Village, which will be located on Umm Suqeim Beach, near the Burj Al Arab Hotel, a significant cultural landmark in Dubai. It will include various events, heritage activities, and marine sports in cooperation with supporting partners, in addition to Dubai Media Incorporated's Al Gaffal Studio, which will broadcast a special segment the night before the race and provide live coverage of the event through Dubai Sports TV Channel.

Visit to Sir Bu Na'air Island

 A delegation from the Dubai International Marine Club visited Sir Bu Nair Island last Tuesday to discuss the preparations with officials on the island, the Sir Bu Nair Island Comprehensive Police Station, and the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, in order to prepare for the arrival of the organizing committee’s convoy, the race participants before the race day, and review the latest updates.