Abu Dhabi Hosts Arilah 60ft Dhow Sailing Heritage Race

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club successfully organised the Arilah 60ft Dhow Sailing Race. The event celebrated the UAE’s deep maritime history and showcased the skills of traditional seafarers in a modern setting.

Al-Tebr 55 Takes First Place

The dhow “Al-Tebr 55,” owned by Rashid Mohammed bin Ghadir and captained by Mohammed Suhail Khalfan Al-Muhairi, achieved a strong performance to secure the first place. Their teamwork, sailing skills, and knowledge of the sea helped them outpace the competition and bring victory in this prestigious traditional race.

A Heritage Event with Cultural Value

The race is not only a sporting competition but also a cultural celebration. It is part of Abu Dhabi’s traditional racing programme, designed to safeguard the UAE’s national heritage while also promoting maritime traditions. By keeping these practices alive, the event highlights the country’s pride in its seafaring past and its commitment to passing knowledge to future generations.

Strong Participation in the Race

More than 90 traditional sailing dhows took part in the race, competing along a 25-nautical mile course. The event brought together dhow owners, experienced captains, and elite sailors who demonstrated their mastery of wind, sails, and sea conditions. The large turnout reflected the popularity of traditional sailing and its role in strengthening community bonds.

Excitement and Competition on the Water

The competition was intense, with each dhow striving for the best performance. Sailors showcased their ability to handle unpredictable winds and currents, which made the race not only a test of speed but also of experience, strategy, and seamanship. This excitement brought a festive spirit to the event and reminded audiences of the skill and courage required in traditional sailing.

A Substantial Prize Pool for Winners

To honour the efforts of the participants, the organising committee allocated a prize pool of AED 4.2 million for winners. The generous rewards reflect the importance given to traditional dhow sailing in the UAE and encourage more sailors to engage in such heritage events. This support also ensures that traditional maritime skills remain valued in modern society.

Preserving UAE’s Maritime Heritage

Beyond the competition, the dhow race represents an effort to preserve and promote the UAE’s maritime heritage. It provides younger generations with an opportunity to experience traditional sailing and learn about the customs and skills of their ancestors. By blending competition with cultural education, the event strengthens national identity and ensures continuity of traditional practices.

Passing Knowledge to Future Generations

One of the most important goals of the Arilah 60ft Dhow Sailing Race is to ensure that the knowledge of traditional sailing is transferred to future generations. Through participation, younger sailors gain experience and learn directly from seasoned captains. This exchange of skills and values plays a vital role in sustaining the UAE’s cultural traditions for years to come.

Community Engagement and National Pride

The race also serves as a community event where families, dhow owners, and sailing enthusiasts gather to celebrate their shared heritage. It reinforces pride in the UAE’s maritime history while also promoting unity and cultural awareness. The atmosphere created by the race is one of joy, competition, and respect for tradition.

A Successful Celebration of Tradition

The Arilah 60ft Dhow Sailing Race successfully combined tradition, competition, and community spirit. With Al-Tebr 55 emerging as the champion, the event stood as a reminder of the UAE’s proud maritime past and its bright future in heritage preservation. By supporting such races, Abu Dhabi continues to play a leading role in keeping traditional sports alive and meaningful for generations to come.