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Monday, May 27, 2025 – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra Region, crowned the winners of the 8th historic Dalma sailing dhow race for the 60-foot category, held today as part of the 8th edition of the Dalma Historic Race Festival, organized by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club.

The crowning ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Marine Sports Federation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, His Excellency Fares Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, His Excellency Nasser Mohamed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Representative of the Ruler in Al Dhafra, His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, alongside several sports leaders and officials.

The first place was awarded to the dhow "Zurich," owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, captained by skipper Khalifa Muheir Saeed Al Mazrouei. Second place went to "Shaheen," owned by Hamdan Saeed Jaber Al Harbi and captained by skipper Khalifa Abed Al Marri. Third place was secured by "Ghazi," owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and captained by skipper Ahmed Saeed Al Ramithi.

The strongest, longest, and highest-prize race featured 110 dhows from across the Emirates, carrying more than 3,000 sailors who created a heroic and heritage-rich spectacle, evoking the past of ancestors while embracing a prosperous present. The race started from Dalma Island, passing through eight islands, and ended at Al Mugheerah beach in Al Dhafra region, covering a distance of 68 nautical miles (125 km), with fierce competition among the dhows to reach the finish line first.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed that the 8th Dalma Historic Race has become a deep-rooted national symbol in the hearts of the UAE people, thanks to the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, “may God protect him,” reflecting the pride of the wise leadership and their dedication to instilling values of authenticity and belonging in the younger generations.

He said, "Continuing to organize this historic event embodies the deep connection to maritime heritage, which was a fundamental part of our ancestors’ lives and contributed to shaping the national identity."

His Highness added that the race is not only a sporting event but also a cultural and heritage platform that raises awareness about the history of forefathers and connects new generations to their authentic roots.

He congratulated all sailors on their high competitive spirit in this edition of the race, which confirms their deep sense of Emirati identity and reflects their keenness to revive maritime heritage and preserve its noble traditions.

His Highness also expressed great appreciation for the organizational efforts by the concerned committees and the effective role of sponsors and supporters, praising the spirit of unity and cooperation that prevailed during the event.

He confirmed, "Preserving heritage is a shared national responsibility, and the Dalma race will remain an annual event that brings the people of the nation together on the land of authenticity, celebrating the past and reinforcing the values of unity and national identity."

His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, extended sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in Al Dhafra, for his generous sponsorship of the 8th Dalma Historic Race Festival and his continuous commitment to preserving maritime heritage and unlimited support for heritage races, which had a great impact on the success of this event and strengthening its national and cultural values.

He said, "At the conclusion of this great heritage event, we express our deep appreciation to all participants in the Dalma Historic Race Festival, who revived through their participation the spirit of the forefathers and embodied a proud image of the deep connection to the Arabian Gulf, passion for sailing, and determination to excel in one of the longest and toughest traditional marine races worldwide."

His Highness praised the great efforts exerted by the organizing committee and supporting entities, which provided an exemplary model of organization and professionalism and succeeded in providing an ideal environment worthy of the race’s scale and value, contributing to enhancing Dalma’s position as a leading heritage and sports destination.

He extended congratulations to all the winners who deservedly earned their crowns, wishing them continued success and prosperity.

He said, "The race witnessed fair competition and a high technical level, reflecting the great development in the 60-foot sailing dhow races and sending messages of pride to every Emirati who cherishes his maritime legacy."

Amid great enthusiasm and sea chants, the dhows raised their sails off Dalma Island, setting off at high speed to harness the wind, exchanging leading positions throughout the race stages, with fierce competition in the final miles in front of the Dalma Race Festival audience, who actively engaged with the race developments, celebrating the arrival of the dhows at the finish line to announce the champion, runner-up, and third place, followed by the subsequent rankings.

The total prize value of the race was about 30 million dirhams, with the first-place winner receiving 1.3 million dirhams and a car, the second-place winner 1 million dirhams and a car, and the third-place winner 800,000 dirhams and a car, with remaining prizes distributed among other top finishers.

The Dalma Historic Race Festival activities continue until June 1, including 49 competitions and various heritage, educational, and recreational activities.