Water sports enthusiasts and fans of traditional dhow sailing races are eagerly anticipating the launch of the 2024-2025 marine sports season, organized by the Dubai International Marine Club. The season will feature over 20 events, including a series of races and diverse marine festivals.
The Dubai International Marine Club will kick off the season's activities on the 21st of September with the first round of the Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race (22ft), which brings together the next generation to compete for titles in the youth categories (under 21) and juniors (under 16).
Mohammed Al Marri, Director of the Sports Affairs Department at the Dubai International Marine Club, stated that preparations have reached their peak. The department has been coordinating and organizing the start of the season following approval of the events by the club's Board of Directors, chaired by Ahmed Saeed bin Meshar.
Al Marri added that the club has taken care to inform captains, owners, and sailors participating in all the club's activities about the modifications to the boats, which were approved by the UAE Marine Sports Federation (UAEMSF). These changes include specifications related to the hull as well as the race instructions for the Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race (22ft).
The Director of the Sports Affairs Department at the club stated that the committee supervising the opening race of the marine sports season will closely monitor all reports related to sea conditions, emphasizing that the safety and security of participants is a top priority in all events, particularly the Dhow Sailing Races in the 22ft, 43ft, and 60ft categories.
Al Marri wished success to the organizing and supporting committees, as well as to all participants in the events. He stressed that everyone is working toward a single goal—the success of the events—which can only be achieved through collective efforts and cooperation between supervisors, committees, and participants to serve the public interest and enhance the status of these events. These events enjoy significant support from officials and hold a distinguished position among various segments of society.
Dubai International Marine Club has announced the opening of registration for the first round of the 22ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, which will take place on Saturday, 21st September 2024, marking the season opener for 2024-2025.
The highly anticipated race is expected to see significant participation from traditional sports enthusiasts, particularly from the younger generation, who will compete in two categories: the youth (under 21 years old, born in 2003) and the junior (under 16 years old, born in 2008).
Mohammed Al Marri, Director of the Sports Affairs Department at DIMC, confirmed that the organizing committee has established a comprehensive vision for the success of this opening race in the new season. This effort is in coordination with government departments, national institutions, and the participating captains, owners, and sailors.
Al Marri mentioned that the committee has notified the captains and boat owners via SMS and through the club’s social media accounts, emphasizing that registration will close on Friday.
He also revealed that the organizing committee will implement updated Race Instructions during the 2024-2025 championship rounds. In addition, a daily technical inspection will be carried out before the race to ensure any modifications made to the boats approved by the UAE Marine Sports Federation, comply with the regulations.
Al Marri is set to hold a meeting with participants to review boat modifications and discuss further the Race Instructions.
22ft Dhow Sailing Race Schedule
Today, the Dubai International Marine Club opens the new marine sports season 2024-2025 with the first round of the 22ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, which brings together the future generation of heritage racing fans in two categories: youth under 21 years old and juniors under 16 years old.
The excitement of traditional racing returns to the beautiful beaches of Dubai this afternoon as the 22ft dhow sailing boats raise their white sails from the starting point, framed by the stunning horizon and picturesque islands. They will race towards the finish line over a distance of up to 5 nautical miles, competing for the title in the first round of the Dubai Championship 2024-2025.
The anticipated race brings together 52 boats representing the elite of the 22ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, which will line up near the World Islands according to the race course, waiting for the green flag that signals the start. They will then sail towards the finish line buoys near the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel.
The organizing committee at the Dubai International Marine Club has finalized its arrangements to kick off the season’s events in coordination with key partners from government departments and national institutions supporting the success of the races, including the General Command of Dubai Police, the National Guard Command (Fourth Squadron), the General Directorate of Civil Defense in Dubai, Dubai Media Incorporated, and VIP Ambulance.
Hasheem, boat no. 81, owned by Al Fattan Shipbuilding Company and captained by Mohammed Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, was crowned the winner of the youth category (under 21 years old) in the first round of the Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race – 22ft. The race was successfully organized by the Dubai International Marine Club as the season opener for 2024-2025.
The crew of Hasheem 81 outperformed the other 50 participating boats, all of which lined up near The World Islands, one of Dubai's stunning waterfront landmarks. After the green flag was raised, the boats sailed 5 nautical miles towards the finish line near the iconic Burj Al Arab. The competition showcased the participants' outstanding sailing skills, particularly when adjusting the sails to navigate the racecourse successfully.
Hasheem 81 reached the finish line ahead of the second-place boat, Al Adeed 30, owned by Mohammed Rashid Mohammed Rashid Al Rumaithi and captained by Mohammed Khalid Al Rumaithi. Al Saeb 33, owned by Abdullah Sultan Al Marzouqi and skippered by Khalifa Mohammed Al Marzouqi, finished third, while Zilzal 125, owned by Al Fattan Marine Services Company and led by Abdullah Marwan Al Marzouqi, took fourth place.
In the Junior Category of the race, Sarab, boat no. 67, owned by Mohammed Sultan Al Marzouqi and captained by his son Sultan, claimed first place after finishing ninth overall. Close behind was Murban, boat no. 104, owned by Tariq Abdullah Al Hosani and captained by his son Mohammed, while Falah 25, owned by Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Hammadi and skippered by Mohammed Abed Al Hammadi, finished third.
Awarding Ceremony
Mohammed Al Marri, Director of the Sports Affairs Department at Dubai International Marine Club, and Colonel Ali Abdullah Al Naqbi from the General Administration of Ports Police Station crowned the top three winners in each category.
Al Marri praised the positive cooperation and large participation of the captains and sailors in following instructions and adhering to the conditions, which contributed to the success of the race, marking the opening of the new marine sports season.
Mohammed Marwan Al Marzouqi, captain of Hasheem 81, which won the youth category race, expressed his happiness after securing victory in the first round and looks forward to facing fruitful challenges in the next round, scheduled for December 6th.
First Round Winners:
Youth:
1- Hasheem 81
2- Al Adeed 30
3- Al Saeb 33
Juniors:
1- Sarab 67
2- Murban 104
3- Falah 25
