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Abu Dhabi, December 22, 2024: The dhow “Zalzal 25”, owned by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and captained by Nukhatha Mohammed Abdullah Al Marzouqi, claimed victory in the Abu Al Abyad Traditional Dhow Sailing Race for the 60-foot category. The race was organized by the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, as part of the heritage race program for the current season.

The second place went to “Zurich 120,” owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense, and captained by Nukhatha Khalifa Mehair Al Mazrouei. Third place was secured by “Al Dhafra 125,” owned by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and captained by Nukhatha Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi.

In fourth place was “Al Latif 9,” owned by Mohammed Rashid Al Rumaithi and captained by Nukhatha Youssef Ahmed Al Hammadi. Fifth place was claimed by “Tufan 21,” owned by Hamad Rashid Al Rumaithi and captained by Nukhatha Ahmed Ismail Al Marzouqi. Sixth place went to “Al Aryam 99,” owned by Abdullah Mohammed Al Marzouqi and captained by Nukhatha Omar Abdullah Al Marzouqi, while seventh place was taken by “Baynounah 119,” owned and captained by Ibrahim Ismail Al Marzouqi.

The race commenced from the high seas near Abu Al Abyad Island under ideal sailing conditions, with the participation of 88 dhows. The course spanned 25 nautical miles, concluding at the finish line in front of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club headquarters. The race, which lasted over two hours, witnessed fierce competition and great enthusiasm from captains and sailors alike, with a passionate audience following the event from Abu Dhabi Corniche. Over 4 million dirhams in prizes were allocated for the winners and top positions.

Khalifa Al Suwaidi, General Supervisor of the race, extended his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continuous support of heritage activities and marine sports across all categories. He highlighted the significant impact of such support in preserving and transmitting heritage to future generations in all its valuable details.

He said, "The dhows participating in the Abu Al Abyad Race presented a complete heritage saga, painting a vivid picture of the journeys undertaken by ancestors from Abu Al Abyad Island to Abu Dhabi. The captains and sailors demonstrated remarkable courage, braving the sea and its waves with determination and perseverance."

He added, "We at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club take great pride in organizing heritage races, as they instill a sense of pride and connection to our glorious past, which remains deeply rooted in the hearts of everyone."