Dhow racing in Dubai

Hundreds of dhows will flood Dubai in an event combining old tradition with modern sport.

You only need a quick walk around Dubai Marina or to have glimpsed the Burj Al Arab to know that the dhow, Arabia’s traditional sail boat, is a symbol of the UAE’s past and present, and on Saturday May 17 more than 100 dhows will be sailing into Mina Seyahi in the Al Gaffal Long Distance Race.

The history of Al Gaffal, which means The Return, stems back to a time when Dubai’s main trade was pearl diving. The divers would head out on dhows and stop over in Sir Bu Naair Island on their way back to Dubai after a long trip at sea.

Al Gaffal is now in its 24th year and Ali Bin Ghulaita, CEO of Dubai International Marine Club, who is in charge of the nautical event, sees it as one of the highlights of the year. “This is the main event in dhow racing in the UAE. There are a number of races, but this is the top race in terms of prize money and distance.”

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Dhow racing in Dubai