Sailor Ali, the son of Abdullah Mohammed Al-Marzouqi, showcased remarkable skills in traditional racing and achieved another impressive accomplishment last Tuesday. He skillfully captained the crew of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan's boat, named Namran 211, securing victory in the 32nd Al Gaffal Race, which is considered the most prestigious championship in the marine sports season.
The Dubai International Marine Club successfully organized the 32nd edition of the Al Gaffal Race under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council. The race witnessed the participation of 125 ships sailing from Sir Bu Nair Island, passing through Moon Island, and heading towards the finish line at the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel, covering a distance of over 53 nautical miles.
The crew of boat no. 211 Namran, led by Ali Abdullah Al-Marzouqi, clinched the title for the second time in history, after his previous achievement in 2021. This victory marks the sixth title in the family's history, following the success of Ali's father, Abdullah Al-Marzouki, and his brother Marwan, who won the title three times in 2010, 2016, and 2017 with boat no. 25 Zilzal and in 2022 with his brother Hassan on boat no. 199 Hasheem.
Engineer Marwan Abdullah Al-Marzouqi, who holds the highest number of titles among his brothers in the prestigious Al Gaffal Race, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council. Al-Marzouqi acknowledged His Highness's exceptional support for the race and his unwavering commitment to ensuring the continuity of this event, which was inaugurated in 1991 by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Marwan also expressed his appreciation for the motivating words he received from Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Al Nasr Cultural and Sports Club, during the awarding ceremony at Al Gaffal Race Village. Sheikh Rashid congratulated the teams that reached the finish line and secured the top 5 places.
Marwan was eager to dedicate the outstanding results of Namran 211 (first place), Zilzal 25 (third place), and Hasheem 199 (seventh place) to the shipowner and primary supporter of the team, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, acknowledging his great interest and continuous follow-up that provide encouragement to the team in all their race participations.
He explained that he and his brothers inherited their love for the sea from their parents and grandparents, who had a deep connection with the sea. He mentioned that their father, the esteemed Sailor Abdullah Muhammad Al-Marzouqi, urged and motivated them to cultivate their love for the sea and participate in races. He served as their teacher and mentor.
Marwan reminisced that his father was a sailor during the establishment of traditional races in various categories. Despite their focus on educational attainment along with their passion for football, their father encouraged them to pursue this watersport. They were also active athletes in the Baniyas Club.
He added that their true breakthrough as brothers came with boat no. 25 Zilzal, which secured the grand title three times in 2010, 2016, and 2017. This marked the beginning of their skills development under their father's guidance. In the past three years, Marwan's brother Ali took the lead of boat no. 211 Namran, while Hassan led boat no. 199 Hasheem.
Marwan confirmed that the secret behind the superiority and recent victories of Namran 211 (first place), Zilzal 25 (third place), and Hasheem 199 (seventh place) lies in their united teamwork and the pursuit of challenges in their quest for titles. He emphasized that their exceptional preparations facilitated their continuous rise to the top.
Al-Marzouqi's Achivement in Al Gaffal Race
32nd Al Gaffal Result
