With strong participation and a high level of competition, the second round of the Dubai Traditional Rowing Race was sucessfully held last Saturday, organized by Dubai International Marine Club at Dubai Healthcare City Promenade – Phase Two in the Al Jaddaf area.
The competition featured three races rounds : two for the local category (Emirati) and one for the open category (for government and private institutions). In the first heat of the local category, “Julfar 55”, owned by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and skippered by Badr Nasser Al Shahi, claimed first place under the sponsorship of Spark Group. “Al Thahab 64”, owned and skippered by Ahmed Ibrahim Al Ghamlasi, finished second, while “Ras Al Khaimah 27”, also owned by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and skippered by Nasser Hassan Al Kass, secured third place.
In the second heat of the local category, “Zalzal 51”, owned by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and skippered by Sulaiman Ahmed Al Marri, claimed first place. “Wadi Ham 2”, owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi and skippered by Yousuf Ali Al Shahi, finished second, while “Al Thahab 4”, owned and skippered by Ahmed Ibrahim Al Ghamlasi, came in third.
In the open category heat, “Al Thahab 2”, from Boom Marine Boat Manufacturing and skippered by Ahmed Ibrahim Al Ghamlasi, took first place. “Bilarab”, representing the Omani Olympic Committee and skippered by Hamid Salem Al Bahri, finished second, while “Julfar 2”, owned by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and skippered by Badr Nasser Al Shahi, claimed third place.
Mohammed Al Marri, Director of Sports Affairs at Dubai International Marine Club, crowned the winners and praised the high standards displayed by the participants, noting that this sets the stage for an exciting 29th edition of the Al Maktoum Cup for Local Rowing Boats, scheduled for next week. He said:
“We adopted the best possible measures to deal with the strong winds and weather conditions that accompanied the races. The procedures were carried out with full cooperation from all participants, and the level of competition rose significantly in the second round, reflecting the strong preparations made by the teams and everyone’s determination to reach the podium. This contributes positively to promoting and highlighting this traditional marine sport.”
Hamid bin Salem Al Bahri, Head of the Oman Rowing Team and representative of the Oman Marine Sports Committee, praised the atmosphere of the competition and the excellent organization by Dubai International Marine Club. He said:
“We are delighted to take part with our brothers in the UAE in these traditional marine competitions. We aimed to deliver our best performance and succeeded in securing second place. We always aspire to compete at the highest level, while at the same time enjoying these wonderful community gatherings where people of the Gulf come together to practice the sports of our fathers and grandfathers.”
The competition also witnessed a notable participation by the three brothers of former national team goalkeeper and current Al Hamriya player Majed Nasser — Hamid, Obaid, and Salem — who competed with the Fujairah and Badr teams.
The brothers revealed that rowing has been a family tradition since their early childhood, practiced by all family members without exception, beginning with Majed Nasser more than 20 years ago before he later turned to professional football. For them, continuing in this sport represents a proud Emirati heritage, in addition to its role in encouraging physical activity and strengthening health and fitness.
