The Board of Directors of the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) convened for its monthly meeting, chaired by Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, in the presence of the Higher Organizing Committee for the 33rd edition of the Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, from Sir Bu Na’air Islands to the Dubai Shore.
The Board of Directors at DIMC expressed appreciation for the continuous support received from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, in preserving heritage sports, continuing the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who initiated the race back in 1991 to preserve and revive the heritage of the forefathers.
The Higher Organizing Committee for the event is led by Chairman Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, with Saif Juma Al Suwaidi serving as Vice Chairman, and its membership includes Khalid Khamis bin Dasmal, Khalid Ali Al Balooshi, and Mohammed Abdullah Harib, CEO at DIMC.
During the meeting, the Board of Directors finalized the race date, which will be sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, scheduled for 10-12 May , with a reserve date from 17-19 May of the same month.
In the meeting, the Board of Directors emphasized to the club’s executive management and organizational units the importance of early preparation for the forthcoming event. This event holds significant historical value and reputation, serving as a national community heritage festival. It reflects the deep-rooted connection of the people of the Emirates to the traditions of their ancestors, particularly in their efforts to revive memories of fishing and pearl diving expeditions.
During the meeting, special action plans were discussed to ensure the success of the event in coordination with the club’s partners in government departments and national institutions, to arrange and prepare for the anticipated race, which marks the end of the activities of the sports season 2023-2024.
They praised the achievements in the first quarter of 2024, which included many positive aspects in all aspects, especially the organizational successes related to the activities of the 2023-2024 sports season and the participation of the Victory team in two international races such as the XCAT Championship and F1H2O World Powerboat Championship, in which the club’s ambassadors, the Victory Team, both lead the Overall Standings.
The Board of Directors congratulated the Dubai World Trade Center on the success of the 30th Dubai International Boat Show held last month, praising the distinguished participation of the club’s departments through a special pavilion showcasing the latest Victory boat along with the team’s various achievements, accompanied by the Dubai Fishing Competition and Flyboard and Freestyle Night Show.
The Higher Organizing Committee of the 33rd Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, held under the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, approved the formation of teams and committees for the upcoming event during its first meeting, which was chaired by Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).
The Al Gaffal Race, organized by the Dubai International Marine Club for Traditional Dhow Sailing Race (60ft), is scheduled to take place from May 11th to 19th. The race will start from Sir Bu Na’air Island, passing through Moon Island, and concluding at Dubai Shore, covering a distance of 50 nautical miles. This event embodies the heritage of their forefathers for more than three decades now.
This year marks the 33rd edition of the race, which embarked on its successful journey in 1991, translating the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The race carries a valuable message to successive generations, aiming to preserve the legacy of their forefathers whose lives were intertwined with the sea as a source of livelihood and abundant goodness.
In the first meeting, held last Monday at the Emirates Tower Hotel, the Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, along with the committee members, were briefed on the existing efforts for effective coordination with the success partners from government departments and national institutions. These efforts consistently contribute to the success of the club’s activities, particularly the Al Gaffal Race, which represents the most prestigious demonstration at the end of each season.
The Higher Organizing Committee of the Al Gaffal Race, together with the club’s executive management, reviewed the work reports of the committees formed to ensure the success of the 33rd edition of the race. These committees include the Sports Support Committee, Logistical Support and Procurement Committee, Media & Communication Committee, Health and Safety Committee, and the Technical Inspection and Jury's Committee. They have made notable progress in coordination and follow-up.
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The general and coordination meeting of the Higher Organizing Committee for the 33rd edition of the Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race will be held today (Thursday) at the W Dubai Hotel - Mina Seyahi, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council. The upcoming race is scheduled to take place from May 11th to 19th.
Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) has been annually organizing the race since 1991, starting from Sir Bu Na’air Island, passing through Moon Island, and culminating at the finish line on Dubai's shore. Covering a distance of more than 50 nautical miles, the race sees participation from over 100 dhow boats, each carrying sailors and captains on board. This event echoes the historical journey of their forefathers, who returned from pearl diving and fishing trips.
The organizing committee for the 33rd Al Gaffal Race has extended invitations to success partners from government departments and national institutions. The purpose of this invitation is to convene and discuss all necessary arrangements and requirements for the successful execution of the race. The meeting will cover various aspects including transportation, reception of participants at the starting point, movement of the committee's convoy and participants, security measures, and onsite preparation prior to race day at Sir Bu Na’air Island, located 50 nautical miles away from Dubai's shore.
Mohammed Abdullah Harib, Member of the Board of Directors of the Dubai International Marine Club and Member of the Higher Organizing Committe, underscored the historical significance of the upcoming 33rd edition of the Al Gaffal race, highlighting its enduring popularity among marine sports enthusiasts and the society since its inception in 1991.
Harib expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the wise leadership and success partners from government departments and national institutions. He acknowledged their pivotal and strategic role in contributing to the success of all marine sports activities and events in Dubai. He emphasized that the forthcoming general meeting will determine the work plans and preparations to ensure an exceptional edition of the race this year.
The Higher Organizing Committee for the 33rd edition of the Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has elevated its level of readiness and preparation for the success of the race scheduled from the 11th to 19th of May.
Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) has annually organized the race since 1991, commencing from Sir Bu Na’air Island, passing through Moon Island, and concluding at the finish line on Dubai's shore. Spanning over 50 nautical miles, the race attracts over 100 dhow boats, each with sailors and captains on board. This event commemorates the historical journeys of their forefathers, who returned from pearl diving and fishing expeditions.
Yesterday, at W Dubai Mina Seyahi, the General Meeting between the organizing committee and government departments and national institutions' representatives took place in the presence of DIMC's Board of Directors Khalid bin Dasmal, Khalid Al Balooshi, Mohammed Abdulla Harib (CEO and Race Supervisor), Brigadier Dr. Hassan Suhail Al Suwaidi (Director of Ports Police Station, Dubai), and Colonel Marwan Al-Marzouqi (National Guard Command, 4th Squadron, Facilities Protection Unit).
The meeting saw a significant turnout from success partners including Dubai Police, Sharjah Police, Vital Facilities and Coastal Protection Agency (Fourth Squadron Command), Critical Infrastructure & Coastal Protection Authority, Dubai Civil Defence, Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Department of Economy and Tourism (Dubai Calendar), Dubai Media Incorporated (Dubai Sports TV Channel), Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Ambulance, the General Administration of Civil Defense in Dubai, the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, the Department of Economy and Tourism (Dubai Events Schedule), and Dubai Media Incorporated (Dubai Channels), among others.
Mohammed Abdullah Harib, a member of the Higher Organizing Committee and race supervisor, welcomed the representatives, acknowledging their support and contribution in ensuring the race's success over three decades. The meeting covered race details, including a comprehensive explanation by the organizing committee on the timetable, registration start date, journey to Sir Bu Na’air Island, and detailed weather reports from the National Center of Meteorology. Requirements and plans were also reviewed, concluding with a unified work plan under the Higher Organizing Committee to ensure safety and security for participants, owners, captains, and sailors.
The meeting also addressed TV broadcast arrangements through the club’s media partner, Dubai Media Incorporated, facilitating live coverage of the race and pre-race events at the Al Gaffal Race Village. Harib expressed gratitude to the attendees from government departments, institutions, and bodies for their ongoing support and assistance in all club-organized events within the sports season calendar.
