Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race (43ft) - Heat 2

Today marks the closing day of registrations for the second round of the 43ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, organized by the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), scheduled to take place tomorrow at Dubai Shore under the current sports season 2023-2024.

Mohammed Al Marri, the Director of the Sports Affairs Department at the Dubai International Marine Club, has confirmed that all preparations have been finalized for the successful execution of the race. He noted that the event has garnered significant interest and cooperation from boat owners, with over 75 boats confirming their participation just one day before the registration deadline.

Al Marri emphasized that this impressive number of participating boats reflects the enduring popularity of traditional races among the people of the Emirates, connecting them to the traditions of their ancestors.

The organizing committee is dedicated to ensuring the race takes place under the best conditions by thoroughly monitoring the weather forecast to determine the best route and timing for the anticipated event. The race will be broadcast live via Dubai Sports TV Channel.

It's worth mentioning that the first round of the 43ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race was successfully organized on October 21, with over 80 participating boats. Boat number 63, 'Dahis,' led by Issa Sultan Al Marzouqi, claimed the first place, followed closely by boat number 96, 'Al Shaqi,' and boat number 170, 'Sahm,' in second and third places, respectively.

Today, the shores of Dubai are set to witness the launch of the second round of the 43ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, marking the final round of the 2023-2024 Dubai Championship. Organized by the Dubai International Marine Club as part of the current sports season, the race will feature 80 boats competing for the title.

Lining up in the depths of the Arabian Gulf waters near Dubai Island, the dhows will race towards the finish line located near the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel and Palm Jumeirah Island. The participants are eager to secure victory in today's race, aiming to accumulate crucial points for the overall standings in the 2023-2024 Dubai Championship, which will be announced by the club at the end of the season.

Boat no. 63 Dahis, captained by Issa Sultan Al Marzouqi, stands at the top of the overall standings after the results of the first round, which took place last October, earning them one point. Meanwhile, boat no. 96 Al Shaqi, skippered by Khalaf Butti Mosbeh Al-Ghasheesh Al-Marri, is in second place with two points. Boat no. 170 Sahm, captained by Al-Nokhatha Ahmed Youssef Salem Al Hammadi, holds the third position with three points.

The Dubai International Marine Club has completed all preparations in coordination with government departments and national institutions to ensure the success of the race. The participating captains and sailors were informed of the latest instructions and important matters pertaining to the race during the online meeting held yesterday.

Mohammed Al Marri, Director of the Sports Affairs Department at the Dubai International Marine Club, confirmed during the meeting that the race distance will be between 12-14 nautical miles, stressing that the race will start in the afternoon at around 1:30, considering the wind speeds and weather conditions to help the participants achieve their goal and reach the finish line safely.

Overall Ranking (as of the First Round)

1- Dahis 63 - 1 points, 2- Al-Shaqi 96 - 2 points, 3- Sahm 170 - 3 points, 4- Zurech 156 - 4 points, 5- Zilzal 217 - 5 points, 6- Al-Alawi 187 - 6 points, 7- Gazi 103 - 7 points, 8- Nazaa 70 - 8 points, 9- Al-Teber 55 - 9 points, 10- Namran 259 - 10 points

43

43ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race represents one of the oldest categories in traditional races. The first official race in this category took place on 29 January 1988, coinciding with the establishment of the Dubai International Marine Club(DIMC). During that time, 19 boats participated in the inaugural race, with boat number 15 clinching the title.

Dubai Sports TV 

Dubai Media Incorporated, through Dubai Sports TV, will provide valuable services to all water sports enthusiasts by broadcasting the second round of the 43ft Dhow Sailing race live this afternoon, bringing the traditions of the forefathers into every home. 

The crew of Zilzal, boat no. 217, owned by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and led by Marwan Abdullah Mohammed Al Marzouki, claimed the championship title in the 43ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race. This event marked the second and final round of the 2023-2024 championship, which took place last Saturday on the shores of Dubai.

Simultaneously, the crew of Al Taff, boat no. 70, owned by H.E. Mohammed Rashid Al-Rumaithi and captained by Youssef Ahmed Mohamed Al Hammadi, secured the second-place position as the runner-up, while the crew of Sahm, boat no. 170, owned by Abdullah Ibrahim Abdullah Al Hammadi and led by Ahmed Youssef Salem Al Hammadi, clinched the third-place victory.

The race, organized by the Dubai International Marine Club as part of the marine sports season 2023-2024, achieved remarkable success with the participation of 80 boats. The vessels, all lined up in the waters of the Arabian Gulf, sailed from the starting point near the Dubai Islands to the finish line located near the Burj Al Arab on Jumeirah's shore. Participants covered more than 14 nautical miles with perfect timing.

Throughout the race, various stages witnessed shifts in the leading position. Zilzal 217 took the lead, facing intense competition from other participating boats. As the race approached the final meters, the competition intensified, requiring the skill of sail manipulation to reach the finish line. Ultimately, Zilzal 217 secured first place, with Al Taff 70 and Sahm 170 following in second and third positions, respectively.

The award ceremony promptly followed the race, attended by Khalid Khamis bin Dasmal, Board Member of the Dubai International Marine Club, Mohammed Harib, Chief Executive Officer at DIMC, and Mohammed Al Marri, the Race Director. They presented the trophy to the crews of the top three boats, along with the captains and sailors of Zilzal 217, Al Taff 70, and Sahm 170.

Khalid conveyed his congratulations to the top three place holders and all participants for the success of the event, commending the role of the organizing committee and the cooperation of partners from government departments and national institutions. Bin Dasmal highlighted the positive aspects of the race, including significant attendance and participation by boat owners, crews, and sailors, reflecting the distinguished position occupied by traditional races. Notably, the active involvement of young individuals and teenagers emphasizes the passing down of the event's message across generations, preserving the legacy of their forefathers.

217

Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, the captain of the boat, Zilzal 217, expressed his happiness at the crew’s excellence during the race, thanking and appreciating the team owner, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for the support and encouragement. He also praised the decisions of the organizing committee in choosing the place and route of the race, which helped in the safety arrival of all the boats that registered their participation.

Results:

1- Zilzal 217 - Marwan Abdullah Mohammed Al Marzouki

2- Al Taff 70 - Youssef Ahmed Mohamed Al Hammadi

3- Sahm 170 - Ahmed Yousef Salem Al Hammadi