Dubai: Some 99 dhows have confirmed their participation for the 22nd ‘Al Gaffal' traditional 60-foot dhow sailing race from Sir Bu Nair island to Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) on Saturday.

After entries closed on Tuesday, Sid Bin Salah from organisers DIMC confirmed the number of entrants for this year's race, which is the traditional season-closing event on the UAE watersports calendar.

"We are all set for some great racing. Everything is in order and Dubai Sports Channel will be showing the race live," said Bin Salah, who is also the sports director at DIMC.

"The first fleet of boats has already left for Sir Bu Nair island to set up and prepare the various facilities for the race there."

The area surrounding the DIMC is being transformed ahead of the event, with traditional tents and kiosks being set up in preparation of the family day activities that coincide with the race.

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," Bin Salah said.

The annual race is unique in that it sees the revival of an ancient heritage that involves 60-foot traditional dhows sailing from the island of Sir Bu Nair. It was on this island that fishermen and pearl divers made their final stop before the last lap heading home just before the summer set in.

Huge boost

The entry list in this race has gone on increasing over the past few years with last year's 100 dhows being the best participation recorded so far. The race received a huge boost when Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, became a patron of the annual event.

Saturday's start of the race is scheduled for 6.30am with the first of the dhows, depending on the winds, expected to cross the finish line near the Burj Al Arab by 12 noon.

"Great weather conditions have been predicted and we are expecting some exciting sailing on Saturday," Bin Salah said.