Dubai: Organisers of the annual season-ending Al Gaffal Sir Bu Naair to Dubai 60-foot dhow sailing race are hoping for a weekend of family fun when the event is held at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) on May 26.
"This year's race will be totally family-centric," Sid Bensalah, sports director of the DIMC, told Gulf News.
"We want to engage the communities we live in to come and be part of an event that has been one of the cornerstones of our activities at the DIMC. We want youngsters to come and have a look at the heritage of the UAE and we want the adults to share our culture."
The annual race is a sailing event for 60-foot dhows that depart early in the morning from the island of Sir Bu Naair, some 50 nautical miles from Dubai. It was on this island that fishermen and pearl divers historically made their last stop on their homeward journey.
Participation in this race — thanks to the support of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance — has increased over the years, with more than 100 dhows participating last year.
New equipment
"This is one event that the maritime community in the country keenly looks forward to each year and we have no problems when it comes to the number of entries. In fact, this steady increase has challenged us to test new equipment and make the race a lot safer," Bensalah said.
With the start scheduled for 6.30am on race day, the first of the dhows — depending on the wind strength — is expected to cross the finish line in front of the DIMC by midday. "In the meantime, spectators can take in the various activities lined up on shore, including a heritage village, play area for kids and food and beverage outlets," Bensalah said.
