Dubai: The chief of water sports has lauded the growing stature of traditional sailing that has helped put the UAE on the international tourism map.
"The race has become popular over the years around the world with editors and photographers coming from Germany, Russia along with a delegation from Spain attending this year," Saeed Hareb, CEO, Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) and President, UAE Marine Sports Federation, said as crews started the final leg of preparations for the end-of-season Sir Bu Na'air 60-foot dhow sailing race this Saturday.
"The work and planning for this race starts well in advance and we are pleased that everything is now being fine-tuned before the May 28 race," added Hareb.
"International attention from media too has grown substantially and the presence of the Spanish delegation is an indication that we must be doing something right to maintain our heritage."
The Sir Bu Na'air race was organised under instructions from Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, in his keenness to maintain the legacy of the traditional dhow by keeping them actively sailing and retain a truly valuable part history.
Massive operation
The reality has been that the skills and language of the sea have been passed to a younger generation and the dhows have become a symbol of the UAE, delighting tourists and photographers visiting the country.
The race holds special significance on the DIMC watersports calendar as it is a massive operation involving more than 3,500 people, including crew and subsidiary personnel and organisers.
"The need now therefore is to ensure safety. We have to rely on weather patterns and alter the date if needed to ensure we capture the essence of the race," Hareb said.
The first race was held on May 23, 1991 and it hosted 53 dhows in various specifications. "Only once we have been forced to abandon this race due to lack of wind," Hareb recalled.
The winner will take home Dh500,000, while the others will get Dh50,000 for participating.
