A highlight of Dubai’s event calendar, the Al Gaffal Dhow Race is a long-distance Traditional Dhow sailing competition that takes place in the spring in Dubai. Held since 1991, the race was established to honor the nation’s maritime heritage. This celebration of culture is also supported by royalty: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Finance Minister and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, is the race’s patron.
The Dhows follow a historical route, showing off some of the most impressive parts of the Dubai coastline. Starting at Sir Bu Nair Island, the race heads east for 23 nautical miles to a mandatory checkpoint at Moon Island, before turning southeast to the finish line at the Burj Al Arab hotel. This happens to be the same route taken by pearl divers returning from long trips at sea. The term Al Gaffal translates from Arabic as ‘the return’.
The Al Gaffal Dhow Race is reserved for Emiratis but the Race Organisers: Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) have invited Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) to take part in a historic and unique sailing challenge. For the first time, modern sailing yachts have been invited to race alongside the traditional Dhows.
The Dhows are very quick in light winds so to give a fair chance the modern sailing yachts have been invited to start at Moon Island whilst the Dhows start at Sir Bu Nair Island. The Dhows will pass by a gate at moon then on to finish near the Burj Al Arab. The modern yachts will sail from Moon Island, navigate the World Islands clockwise to also finish near to the Burj but on a separate finish line. This is for safety as the two types of craft have very different navigational capabilities and the Race organizers wish to take the precaution to keep the racetracks separated.
New itinerary:
Saturday 04 June:
Sail out to Moon Island anytime Saturday afternoon at your leisure, anchor at Moon Island Saturday night
Sunday 05 June:
Intended start time between 8 – 9am | Race back to DOSC Sunday morning.
Competitors of the Modern Yacht Sailing Challenge are invited to the Al Gaffal Prize Giving Ceremony which will be held at Dubai Harbour.
It’s never too late to organize a historic moment so if you are interested in taking part please contact sailingmanager@doscuae.com as soon as possible.
