The crew of the boat No. 199, Hasheem, owned by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and skippered by Hassan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, emerged victorious in 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, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council.

Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Al Nasr Cultural and Sports Club, presented the champions' trophy to the winners of the thirty-third edition of the Al Gaffal Race. The ceremony took place yesterday in Al Gaffal Village with the presence Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the  UAE Marine Sports Federation, and Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai International Marine Club.

The great race was founded in 1991 by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who achieved great success with its 33rd edition with the participation of 123 dhow boats, which gathered a few days ago on Sir Bu Nair Island in preparation for the race start. However, the start was postponed by the Higher Organizing Committee, which made the right decision to hold it yesterday, Saturday, despite the challenges posed by fluctuating sea states. Consequently, they decided to shorten the course in the first stage towards Moon Island.