Sheikh Zayed Festival Dhow Sailing Race to Kick Off Next Saturday

**Abu Dhabi, December 10, 2024:** The Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club has announced the organization of the Sheikh Zayed Festival Dhow Sailing Race, scheduled to take place next Saturday along the Abu Dhabi Corniche at the Breakwater, as part of the club's maritime calendar for this season.  

The organizing committee has planned for the race, expected to feature over fifty traditional dhows, to start from Lulu Island and span a 7-nautical-mile course, culminating at the club’s headquarters at the finish line.  

This race marks the fourth round of the **bwanish** (small dhow) sailing races for the season, following the success of previous rounds. The third round, held during the Al Sila’a Marine Festival, witnessed an impressive performance by **Tufan 21**, securing first place, followed by **Marban 61** in second, and **Al Hadi 29** in third.  

Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, emphasized the club's commitment to preserving the UAE’s maritime heritage, which is an integral part of the nation’s identity and history.  

He noted that the **bwanish** sailing races are not merely sports competitions but also serve as a cultural and heritage message aimed at passing down the UAE's rich maritime traditions and values to future generations. The club is dedicated to organizing events that reflect the spirit of maritime heritage while continuously developing these races to align with international standards.  

Sheikh Mohammed further highlighted the club’s objective to make every maritime event a platform for promoting national identity by preserving and celebrating the UAE's proud seafaring traditions.