Dubai: After releasing its latest calendar, the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) is awaiting endorsement of its annual portfolio of events from various marine sports clubs in the UAE.
The calendar, consisting of 26 events, was finalised and released by Mohammad Hareb, Acting CEO, DIMC, earlier this week.
This year’s watersports events will open up with the 43ft Dubai traditional dhow sailing race on September 27 and conclude with the traditional Al Gaffal long-distance sailing race from the Sir Bu Na’air island to Burj Al Arab on May 23.
“This is a tentative calendar that is possibly bound to change and alteration, depending on the inputs we receive from other watersports clubs in the country,” Hareb told Gulf News.
“We are expecting a very heavy season, with the maximum events being held from November to Janaury. Of course, one of the highlights this season will be the XCAT race to be held in December followed by our traditional season-ending Al Gaffal race,” he added.
Unlike other years, the DIMC with a new board of directors at the helm, has been eyeing an enhanced level of activity this season.
The board of directors, led by Chairman Saeed Hareb, has been approached by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) to host at least two top-level beach soccer tournaments on its premises before the end of the year.
The DSC is keen to host the GCC Beach Soccer tournament from October 20-25 and then the annual Samsung Inter-Continental Beach Soccer Cup at the specially set-up venue from November 4-8.
“We’ve got both the aspects covered. We have the sports side of things along with the commercial side where we are expected to be service providers for the region,” Hareb said.
Interestingly, Dubai does not figure as a stop for the annual Class One World Powerboat Championship.
As per the Class One calendar for the season, the opening race is scheduled for Ibiza, Spain from September 5-7, followed by the second race in Terracina, Italy from October 17-19 and the final round in Abu Dhabi from November 29-30.
