Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club has announced the opening of registration for participation in Al-Alia Traditional Sailing Dhows Race, scheduled to take place on Friday (January 9), at the Abu Dhabi Breakwater, as part of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Festival 2026.
The organisation of the race comes as part of the festival’s commitment to reviving traditional marine sports and strengthening the presence of sailing dhows as one of the authentic pillars of the UAE’s maritime heritage, embodying values of challenge, experience, and skill passed down through generations.
Director of Heritage Marine Sports Events, Khalifa Al Rumaithi, affirmed that the Al-Alia Sailing Dhows Race represents a key milestone within the festival’s agenda, noting that such races reflect the depth of the UAE’s maritime identity and contribute to passing on marine heritage to younger generations through a structured and competitive format.
Al Rumaithi stated that opening registration aims to provide the widest possible opportunity for captains and sailors to take part in this heritage event, confirming that all organisational and technical preparations have been completed to ensure the race is delivered to the high standards befitting the Abu Dhabi Maritime Festival.
He added that the race marks the first round of the competition, anticipating strong participation and intense competition amid growing interest in this category, and invited the public to attend and follow the race, noting that attendance is open to all.
Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club has called on sailors wishing to participate to register through the club’s official channels, emphasising that the Al-Alia Sailing Dhows Race is one of the festival’s flagship events and embodies its vision of showcasing Emirati maritime heritage through a modern competitive spirit, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading hub and premier destination for hosting and organizing traditional marine sports.
