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

The 43ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race returns to the waters for the second and final round of the Dubai Championship 2024, organized by the Dubai International Marine Club under the new 2024-2025 sports season.

Seventy boats hoist their white sails today on the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, setting off as soon as the green flag is waved. They will sail approximately 15 nautical miles from the depths of the Arabian Gulf off Umm Al Hatab Island to the finish line near the beaches of Jumeirah, against the stunning backdrop of Dubai's flourishing present, including the waterfront landmarks of the World Islands, Palm Jumeirah, and the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel.

The organizing committee of the Dubai International Marine Club has completed all necessary preparations and arrangements to ensure the race’s success, in coordination with key partners from government departments and national institutions supporting the club’s activities, as confirmed by Mohammed Al Marri, Director of the Sports Affairs Department.

The organizing committee also held an online meeting with the boat owners and captains yesterday (Friday) to address all inquiries and discuss the upcoming race. During the meeting, Mohammed Al Marri praised the collective efforts and cooperation of everyone involved in ensuring the success of the races and presenting them in the best possible way.

Al Marri, the race director, urged all participating captains, owners, and sailors to strictly adhere to the instructions and conditions before and after the race, and to contribute to the continued success of these traditional races. He highlighted that this series, which has become a tradition at the Dubai International Marine Club, has now reached its 104th edition since its inception in the late 1980s.

Al Makhouli 40, owned by Captain Mohammed Saif Salem bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, was crowned champion of the 43ft Dhow Sailing Race  (the second and final round of the Dubai Championship 2024-2025), which was successfully organized by the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) last Saturday as part of the current sports season.

In a fiercely competitive race featuring 70 boats, Al Makhouli 40 showcased remarkable skill and strategy as it navigated the challenging waters of the Arabian Gulf. Once the green flag was raised, the fleet set off towards the finish line near the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel, covering a distance of over 15 nautical miles.

The victory of Al Makhouli 40 was a testament to Captain Mohammad’s expertise, who expertly charted the most efficient course to the finish line. Following closely behind in second place was Ghazi 103, owned by Captain Ahmed Saeed Salem Al Rumaithi, while Zurech 156, owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and captained by Captain Khalifa Muhair Al Mazrouei, secured third place.

The race presented its own set of challenges, with shifting wind directions and varying speeds testing the skills of the captains and sailors. Their ability to adapt to these changing conditions played a crucial role in safely reaching the finish line and securing advanced positions, creating excitement throughout the event from start to finish—culminating in victory for Al Makhouli 40.

At the conclusion of the race, Mohammed Harib, Board Member and CEO of the Dubai International Marine Club, alongside Race Director Mohammed Al Marri and Colonel Ali Abdullah Al Qasib Al Naqbi from the Ports Police Station, presented the trophies to the top three finishers: Al Makhouli 40 (first), Ghazi 103 (second), and Zurich 156 (third).

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Captain Mohammad Saif Salem bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, owner and captain of the Al Makhouli 40, expressed his immense joy at excelling in the second round of the Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race (43ft). He emphasized that this victory and the race title are a testament to the hard work of his crew and team, building on the momentum they created in the first round, where they finished in fifth place.

Al Suwaidi, who balances his passion for the Al-Wasl Club with his dedication to preserving the heritage of traditional sailing, extended his gratitude to the Dubai International Marine Club for its efforts in successfully organizing traditional races. He also recognized the contributions of his fellow competitors and all participants in the Dubai Championship 2024-2025, underscoring the spirit of camaraderie and excellence within the sport.

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Mohammed Harib, Board Member and CEO of the Dubai International Marine Club, praised the level of participation and cooperation from the captains, owners, and sailors with the organizing committee, which facilitated the arrival of the boats at the finish line in a challenging race full of obstacles.

Harib also appreciated the support from partner organizations, including government departments and national institutions, that consistently contribute to the success of all events organized by the club during the sports season.

Winners :

1 - Al Makhouli (40) - Mohammed Saif Salem bin Hadda Al Suwaidi

2 - Ghazi (103) - Ahmed Saeed Salem Al Rumaithi

3 - Zurech (156) - Khalifa Muhair Al Mazrouei