Dubai: Shaikh Mansour Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), has approved the formation of the organising committee for the 25th long-distance Al Gaffal Race.
More than 100 60-foot dhows carrying over 2000 sailors are expected to take part in the 50 nautical mile event from Sir Bu Nuair Island to Moon Island on May 23. The race is held annually under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance.
The Supreme Organising Committee chaired by Saeed Mohammad Hareb, vice president and chairman of the board at DIMC and secretary general of Dubai Sports Council, includes Dr. Khalid Mohammad Zahid, vice president of DIMC, board member of Dubai Sports Council, as vice-president of the committee and head of information. Eisa Khalfan Bin Kharbash, board member of DIMC, is head of support and operations.
Al Zahid heralded the event, which seeks to preserve the UAE’s rich maritime history by retracing the journey made by pearl divers on their end of season return to shore.
