Dubai: The finals of the Majid Bin Mohammad Water sports Championship will be held at the Mina Siyahi tomorrow. After a month of activities including eight events, over 2000 competitors, five disciplines, 199 boats and skis, the Championships will draw to a close with two rounds of the 22ft traditional sailing dhow races.
"It's been an amazing show of sportsmanship and skill, which has spanned 43 days of organisation, preparation and good will," said Saeed Hareb, CEO of Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).
Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, took the opportunity at the championship to encourage the growth of the watersport community to continue the developments of the traditional sport.
The championships started on May 8 with the traditional wooden rowing boat race, which takes a crew of ten to race it over a three-kilometre course.
Freestyle display
Up to forty boats regularly race throughout the season. Race with Jet Skis was the only modern race and introduced an all-international field with entrants from ten different countries including the UAE.
The skis are two sizes with five classes depending on ski size and age group; it also included a freestyle display of summersaults and jumps to entertain the crowds.
The racing took place at Umm Suquim public beach and drew a big crowd of spectators and the presence of Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Makotum who presented the trophies to the winners.
The two 22ft races this weekend will bring the Championships to a close.