Dubai International Marine Club has announced the list of 30 boats qualified for the 29th Al Maktoum Cup, the biggest championship of the season for traditional rowing boats, scheduled to take place next Saturday at Dubai Healthcare City Promenade – Phase Two in the Al Jaddaf area of Dubai.
The club finalized the list based on the results achieved in both the local and open categories during the first two rounds of the Dubai Traditional Rowing Race (30ft category). A total of 20 boats qualified in the local category, led by “Julfar”, owned by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, skippered by Badr Nasser Al Shahi and sponsored by Spark Group. The boat topped the standings with 60 points after winning first place in both rounds.
Also qualifying in the local category were: Ras Al Khaimah, Muzahim, Al Thahab 4, Wadi Saham 2, Al Dhafra 1, Al Zair, Zalzal, Al Thahab, Al Saroukh, Al Asifah, Atlas, Al Mutlaa, Zalzal 1, Wadi Ham 2, Riyah, Al Thahab 1, Wadi Saham, Wadi Ham, and Ras Al Khaimah 50.
Meanwhile, 10 boats qualified in the open category: Julfar 2, Bilarab, Al Dhafra, Julfar, Min Jumeirah, Al Zaabi, Al Baz, Buscalis, KHK, and Dubai Police 1.
Dubai International Marine Club has intensified its preparations for hosting the championship, with special arrangements for what is considered the largest event in local rowing. The Al Maktoum Cup enjoys great public interest every year, with strong attendance and engagement as competitors vie for the prestigious trophy.
Mohammed Al Marri, Director of Sports Affairs at Dubai International Marine Club, confirmed that the Al Maktoum Cup for Local Rowing Boats is a highly anticipated annual event that brings together the elite of boats and competitors. He noted that its prestige stems from its long-standing history, as it approaches three decades of competition, during which it has delivered some of the strongest races in traditional rowing and painted memorable scenes across Dubai’s waterways—making it a true celebration for rowing enthusiasts on every level.
Al Marri congratulated the boats that secured top positions in the first two rounds and qualified for the Al Maktoum Cup, expressing his confidence that captains and sailors will continue to adhere to all regulations to ensure everyone’s safety and the transparent conduct of the races, guaranteeing equal and fair competition for all participants.
The organizing committee is scheduled to conduct a technical inspection of the participating boats, in addition to holding the technical meeting on race day before the start, to ensure that all rules and instructions are clearly communicated.
