Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Ras Al Khaimah will host the opening round of the new UAE Shawahif Season on September 20 and 21, marking the start of a nationwide series celebrating the country’s maritime heritage through traditional marine sports.
Ahmed Ali Al Sheryani, Secretary General of the UAE Marine Sports Federation, said the launch in Ras Al Khaimah carries historical importance, highlighting the emirate’s deep ties to fishing and seafaring. “The sea has always been part of Emirati life – a source of livelihood and a legacy of our ancestors,” Al Sheryani said. “This championship revives that heritage in a modern framework that combines authenticity with competitive sport.”
He added that staging the opening round in Ras Al Khaimah provides “special momentum” for the championship, with events in other emirates to follow. Each round will turn local beaches into public festivals, allowing families to experience both the heritage and competitive aspects of the sport.
The first race will be held under the strategic sponsorship of MAG Holding and organised by the Ras Al Khaimah Marine Sports Club in cooperation with the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club. Competitors from across the UAE and abroad are expected to take part.
Al Sheryani noted that the Shawahif Season continues to attract growing interest from across the Gulf, with participation from competitors representing GCC countries. “Their involvement adds value to the event and reinforces its role as a shared platform for sport and heritage, strengthening regional ties,” he said.
The federation, he added, places priority on safety standards and professional organisation while preserving the authenticity of traditional marine sport. “Our aim is to reflect the UAE’s image as a country that respects its past while embracing the present,” Al Sheryani said.
