Dubai International Marine Club will kick off its first event of the new year 2026 with the launch of the third round of the 43ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, scheduled to take place this Saturday. The event has attracted strong interest from the UAE’s top boat owners, captains, and sailors, with registration now open through the club’s website.
For the first time this season, the 43ft Dhow Sailing Race will feature a third round, in appreciation of the efforts and success of captains in adopting the new technical specifications approved for boats this season. These changes have had a positive impact on the competitiveness of the first two races, as well as on race speed. The course begins from The World Islands off the coast of Dubai, passes by Ain Dubai — the world’s largest observation wheel — and concludes at Dubai Harbour, the venue for the awards ceremony.
Mohammed Hareb, CEO of Dubai International Marine Club, confirmed that the launch of this third race for the 43ft sailing boats follows the directives of the Board of Directors, chaired by H.E. Dr. Ahmed Saeed bin Meshar, and forms part of the implementation of the club’s 2025–2027 strategic plan. This plan supports ongoing efforts to preserve cultural heritage while developing sporting activities and events. He noted that, in this category in particular, changes in certain technical measurements have raised the level of competition and enhanced race quality. In recognition of the significant efforts made by captains to adapt to these changes, the third race will feature additional prize money as a token of appreciation and encouragement for them to continue advancing in marine sports.
Mohammed Al Marri, Director of the Sports Affairs Department at Dubai International Marine Club, said that increasing participation in the 43ft dhow sailing races this season reflects the positive response from participants and highlights the continuous development of marine competitions. He emphasized that this progress requires constant review of races and technical standards, as well as the consistent application of the best measures to support participants and ensure a rising level of competition. He added that the club’s Sports Affairs Department conducts regular seasonal reviews of feedback from boat owners and captains, working with them in a team spirit to elevate the standards of marine sports in line with their deep-rooted status in the community, as a cherished heritage passed down through generations.
Al Marri also noted that the month of January will be packed with marine competitions, especially with ongoing preparations for the launch of the Marine Sports Festival, which will include a wide range of championships at sea and along Dubai’s beaches. Details of the festival will be announced soon.
The 43ft Dhow Sailing Race is distinguished by its course, which showcases some of Dubai’s most beautiful natural and urban landmarks. It also offers spectators along the city’s beaches a unique opportunity to enjoy traditional marine sports in their most exciting and competitive form.
It is worth noting that the first 43ft sailing boats race was won by the boat “Sahm” No. 170, owned by Abdullah Ibrahim Al Hammadi and captained by Ahmed Yousuf Al Hammadi, while the second race saw victory go to “Zilzal 217,” owned and captained by Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi.
