Dubai, UAE – Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Al Nasr Sports Club, received a delegation from the Supreme Organizing Committee of the 35th Al Gaffal Long Distance Race to discuss preparations and finalize arrangements for the upcoming edition of the prestigious heritage event, which has been approved to take place in October 2026.
The race is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
During the meeting, discussions focused on selecting the most suitable timing for the race to ensure optimal organizational and technical conditions for owners, captains, sailors, and participants. The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining the race’s distinguished position as one of the UAE’s premier maritime heritage events.
Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the continued support and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting its vital role in sustaining and developing the Al Gaffal Race over the years. He noted that this support has helped reinforce the race’s status as one of the most significant sporting and heritage events connected to the UAE’s rich maritime identity.
His Highness directed the organizing committee to facilitate participation for all competitors, address any challenges facing owners, captains, and sailors, and ensure that the race is delivered to the highest standards through close cooperation with strategic partners. He stressed the importance of building on the event’s long-standing successes and record participation figures achieved in recent editions.
The delegation included Dr. Ahmed Saeed bin Meshar, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, alongside committee members Khalid Khamis bin Dasmal, Khalid Ali Al Balooshi, and Mohammed Abdullah Harib Al Falasi. The meeting also reviewed operational plans and the ongoing preparations of Dubai International Marine Club to host another successful edition that upholds the race’s organizational, public, and media achievements.
Established in 1991 by its founder, the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Al Gaffal Race was created to preserve and celebrate the maritime heritage of the UAE. Dedicated for traditional 60-foot dhows sailing boat, the race commemorates the historic journeys of pearl divers returning from sea and serves as a lasting tribute to the resilience and traditions of the nation’s seafaring ancestors.
Dr. Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar expressed his sincere appreciation to Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his continued support and guidance. He affirmed that such encouragement motivates the organizing committee to intensify its efforts and deliver an exceptional edition worthy of the race’s history and cultural significance.
He further noted that the Al Gaffal Race remains one of the most important milestones in Emirati maritime sports, reflecting the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum to preserve the heritage of traditional sailing and honor the role these vessels played in the history and development of coastal communities across the UAE.
Bin Meshar added that the committee is proud to continue this legacy under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and with the ongoing support of Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ensuring the race remains one of the region’s leading heritage and sporting events.
The Al Gaffal Race attracts wide participation from the maritime sports community, bringing together thousands of sailors and enthusiasts in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Competitors cover a course exceeding 50 nautical miles before reaching the finish line off the coast of Dubai. The previous edition featured more than 110 participating vessels, with Zilzal 25, owned by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and captained by Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, securing its fourth Al Gaffal title.
As preparations continue for the 35th edition, the Supreme Organizing Committee remains committed to further strengthening the race’s position as a flagship national and cultural event, while preserving and passing on the UAE’s rich maritime heritage to future generations.
