Dubai: One hundred 60 foot dhows will compete in the world’s biggest dhow race from Sir Bu Nair Island to the Burj Al Arab on Saturday, under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Finance Minister of the UAE.
The 23rd annual Al Ghaffal race starts at Sir Bu Nair Island at 5.45am with the first boat expected to finish the 54 nautical mile race by noon near the Burj Al Arab.
The race is part of greater efforts to revive local maritime heritage with Sir Bu Nair Island being a traditional last stop for local pearl divers before heading home for the summer.
“Al Ghaffal was an idea initiated by Shaikh Hamdan in 1991 and it has been a huge success since then,” said Ali Bin Ghulaitha, acting CEO of race organisers Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).
“People love to re-live the tales of their forefathers and the sailing traditions of our past. This race brings to life the closing of the pearl diving season and the gathering of the divers on Sir Bu Nair Island to celebrate before returning home to their loved ones,” he added.
The organising committee will travel to the starting point two days prior to the start to finalise all arrangements. The operation that involves police, coastguard, air transport, TV stations and a mobile hospital is huge in terms of coordination.
Communications are key to the whole operation and the support of Thuraya’s Satellite phones through Safa Telecom is crucial and Thuraya IP modems to keep in contact with the 500 people who will support the race in various capacities to oversee the success of the event.
The organisers have been targeting families to attend the event so that they can dip into the culture and heritage of the UAE. “Our idea is to engage the communities living in the UAE, so that they can be part of an event that has been one of our main activities at the DIMC. We want the youth to come and experience the heritage of this country and we want the entire family to engage and bond with this event,” said Ghulaitha.
“The Sir Bu Nair race has come at the ideal time to close what has been an excellent [local sailing] season where the level of professionalism has been very high and will be reflected through this event.”
“We are all set for a great race day. Everything is in order and Dubai Sports Channel will be showing the race live. Great sailing conditions have been predicted and we are expecting some exciting sailing on Saturday,” he added.
