Dubai Water Canal near Dubai Creek at Al Jaddaf Walkway will witness one of the major traditional races today, set to begin at 3 PM. The event marks the first round of the Dubai Traditional Rowing Race (part of the Dubai Championship 2024-2025), organized by the Dubai International Marine Club as part of the current season.
Today’s event will bring together more than 40 boats, carrying up to 400 sailors, including citizens of the UAE, participants from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and residents who are fans of this sport. Competitors will vie in two categories: one designated for local boats for UAE citizens and the other as an open category for teams from government departments, national institutions, and boats representing GCC countries.
Dubai International Marine Club has finalized all preparations to ensure the event's success in collaboration with strategic partners, boat owners, and participants. The race venue at Al Jaddaf Walkway, opposite the Dubai Creek Wildlife Sanctuary and near the Swiss School, will be transformed into a lively festival. Activities include the arrival of boats, briefings, and the race draw, all leading up to the race start at 3 PM.
The participating boats will cover a 2.3-kilometer distance, starting from the depths of the Dubai Water Canal near Business Bay with a view of Burj Khalifa. After the green flag is raised, they will head towards the finish line, located opposite the waterfront at Festival City.
Early preparations
Mohammed Al Marri, Director of Sports Affairs at the Dubai International Marine Club, stated: "The club began its preparations for the 30ft Traditional Rowing Race before the start of the current season, in collaboration with the boat owners and captains. The new specifications were implemented on the boats, and their updated measurements were approved."
Al Marri confirmed that the club’s initiatives received an unprecedented response from owners and captains, emphasizing the public interest and the sustainability of this heritage sport. These efforts aim to enhance the competitions, which include two categories: the first being the (local) category for UAE citizens, and the second (open) category for teams from the GCC as well as boats representing companies and institutions.
He added that, for the first time, boats will compete in three rounds within one month as part of the Dubai Championship 2024-2025. These include the first and second rounds, held today and next Saturday, the 23rd of this month. The qualifiers, based on the general ranking results, will lead to the most prestigious race of the season: the 27th edition of the Al Maktoum Cup, which will serve as the third and final round on Saturday, the 30th of this month.
Open invitation
Mohammed Al Marri extended an open invitation to the public to attend and enjoy the race today at its iconic location in the heart of Dubai, along the Jaddaf Walk. The event will take place on the waters of the Dubai Water Canal, between the Festival City and Business Bay facades, and near the Dubai Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.
28
The Dubai Traditional Rowing Race 30ft celebrates its 28th edition this season, tracing its origins back to the 1996-1997 season. The race was established under the visionary idea of its founder, the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Since its inception, the race has witnessed remarkable success, evolving from a local event into a prominent Gulf sports gathering. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of the club's annual agenda, playing a pivotal role in its development and widespread appeal. Today, it stands as one of the most exciting and celebrated traditional marine sports in the region.
1997
It’s worth mentioning that the first Dubai Traditional Rowing Race – 30ft was held on 7th March 1997, with 12 boats competing in one round. The title was won by the crew of boat no. 2, Fatah Al Moeen, led by Captain Khalifa Ali Al Nazr.
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