Dubai: Wadi Al Siji, owned by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and Shanas, owned by the Ministry of Sports for the Sultanate of Oman won the two rounds of the 30ft Dubai Traditional Rowing Race held off the Mina Seyahi waters on Friday.
The 38 participating dhows were divided into two groups and each batch had a winner. Skippered by Salim Obaid Ahmad Al Zahmi, Wadi Al Siji made its way to the top past the Ras Al Khaimah boat, who eventually finished in second, while Bin Majed claimed third. Boat 17, titled ‘UAE & KSA’, took the fourth spot ahead of the Dubai Police boat, who had to stay content with fifth place.
In the second round of the race, defending champion ‘Shanas’ was uncatchable as skipper Majid Amer Al Mu’amari planned a tight course to lead it to victory. The fight for the second spot was close with ‘Dubai 1’ overtaking ‘Sharjah’ while ‘Gulfar’ and ‘Wadi Saham 1’ completed the top-five.
Mohammad Hareb, CEO of Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) was joined by Race Director Hezaim Al Qamzi and Lt. Col. Ali Abdullah Al Naqbi, Head of Maritime Rescue Department at Dubai Police at the presentation ceremony immediately after the race.
The third round of the rowing series will be held on November 17 followed by the fourth and final round that will coincide with the ‘Al Maktoum Cup’ in the middle of December.
