The boat owners and captains participating in the 32nd Al Gaffal for Traditional Dhow Sailing Race (60ft) expressed their gratitude to the event's sponsor, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, for his continuous support and encouragement.

During the 32nd Al Gaffal Forum held at W Dubai Mina Seyahi last Monday, the boat owners and sailors affirmed the motivation provided by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in preserving the legacy of this significant heritage race. This motivation extends to all participants, including boat owners, sailors, captains, and the organizing committee. This year marks the 32nd edition of the event.

The boat owners and captains are currently preparing to sail toward Sir Bu Nair Island, the usual starting point of the race. They are diligently getting ready for their remarkable journey through the waters of the Arabian Gulf, leading to the finish line on the shores of Dubai, across from the Burj Al Arab Hotel. The Higher Organizing Committee is yet to announce the appropriate date for the race.

This prestigious race, 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, is organized by the Dubai International Marine Club and serves as the season finale for 2022-2023. With its substantial participation, the event holds immense significance as the largest, most prestigious, and highly anticipated race. It pays homage to the heritage of ancestors while conveying a message to future generations, inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Saif Juma Al Suwaidi, the Vice Chairman of DIMC and the Higher Organizing Committee expressed his appreciation for the presence of the boat owners and sailors, exemplifying the spirit of cooperation towards a common goal: the success of the upcoming race. He emphasized the importance of understanding all aspects related to race in order to satisfy everyone involved and ensure the event is held in the best possible condition.

Rashid Thani Al-Ail, a member of the Higher Organizing Committee, expressed admiration for the prevailing spirit within the marine sports community and the cooperative efforts aimed at ensuring the success of the race. This collective cooperation highlights the unity of the team, which serves as a solid foundation for achieving remarkable accomplishments.

Mohammed Harib, who is also a member of the Higher Organizing Committee, affirmed that the forum serves as a friendly session to maintain close proximity to the participants and involve them in charting a roadmap. The committee aims to address concerns and obstacles, tackling all relevant matters and overcoming circumstances in order to ultimately achieve the race's objectives. The primary focus remains on preserving this heritage and reviving the profound message entrusted to everyone involved in the race. 

During the 32nd Al Gaffal Forum, the sailors and owners had a full opportunity to share their observations and ways to improve the race to achieve success and ensure the safety of everyone.

The sailors, including Musabeh Abid Thani Al Marri, Saleh Muhammad Ahmad Al Hammadi, Bilal Al Nubi, Abdulaziz Muhammad Al Hammadi, Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Khalifa Muhair Al Mazrouei, Ahmed Ismail Al-Marzouqi, Jassim Muhammad Mayouf, and Ali Al Junaibi, all praised the positive role of the Higher Organizing Committee at Dubai International Marine Club, along with all the partners from Government Departments and National Institutions, and expressed their wishes for success to everyone involved.

The sailors shared their observations and suggestions regarding the race, focusing on the procedures and location of the starting line at Sir Bu Nair Island, the start date, setting the location of the first finish line at Moon Island, and the finish line at Burj Al Arab. They also discussed a number of logistical matters and requirements before and during the race.