Over 90 dhows will compete in the Areeila 60ft Dhow Sailing Race in Abu Dhabi, with Dh10.4 million in prize money.
ABU DHABI: More than 90 traditional sailing dhows are set to take to the waters tomorrow for the highly anticipated Areeila 60ft Dhow Sailing Race, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club. With an impressive prize pool of AED4.2 million, the race will reward participants all the way to the 90th position, adding to the excitement and prestige of the event.
Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the event celebrates the UAE’s rich maritime traditions and promotes competitive sailing as a key cultural sport. The race course spans 25 nautical miles, culminating at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club headquarters — a dramatic finish expected to draw spectators along the shoreline.
Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Director of Traditional Sports at the club, expressed pride in the event’s growing popularity. “The response has been overwhelming. The high registration numbers reflect the passion and commitment of our sailing community,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of safety and strict adherence to dhow specifications and race regulations.
The Areeila 60ft Dhow Sailing Race is part of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to preserve Emirati maritime heritage while providing opportunities for local sailors to showcase their skills on a prestigious platform. With generous prize allocations and increased visibility, the event continues to reinforce the capital’s position as a regional hub for traditional marine sports.
