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Abu Dhabi, January 25, 2024: The dhow "Ghazi 103", 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 Nokhatha Ahmed Saeed Salem Al Rumaithi, claimed victory in the Aryala 60-ft Dhow Sailing Race. The race, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, was organized by Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club as part of this season’s heritage sailing series.

In second place, "Zelzal 25", owned by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and captained by Nokhatha Mohammed Abdullah Mohammed Juma Al Marzouqi, secured the runner-up position. "Al Tabr 55", owned by Rashid Mohammed Rashid bin Ghadir and captained by Nokhatha Mohammed Suhail Khalfan Al Muhairi, finished third.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Marine Sports Federation and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, followed the race from the course and later crowned the top three winning dhows in a grand awards ceremony. The winners received generous prizes, including three four-wheel-drive vehicles, in addition to prizes for competitors who secured advanced positions.

The race, which marked the third round of the 60-ft dhow sailing series, covered a 25-nautical-mile course, with 88 dhows and 1,780 sailors competing. The fleet set sail from Khalifa Port and raced to the finish line at the Flagpole on Abu Dhabi Corniche, delivering a thrilling and highly competitive showdown as the leading dhows crossed the finish line in a tight formation.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan praised the wise leadership’s commitment to preserving heritage, particularly maritime traditions, emphasizing that such support has helped instill the values and customs of the ancestors among owners, nokhathas, and sailors. He also commended His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his patronage of heritage and marine sports, which ensures the continuity and success of events such as the Aryala 60-ft Dhow Sailing Race.

He congratulated the winners and thanked all participants for contributing to the race’s success, stating that the 60-ft dhow sailing races represent the ultimate challenge among traditional sailing categories, portraying the heroic maritime journeys of the past while honoring the legacy of the forefathers.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan also highlighted the significance of the Aryala race within the season’s calendar, noting its rich history, competitive intensity, and strong participation, which continue to make it a cornerstone of traditional sailing in the UAE.

The awards ceremony was attended by Saif Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Race and Sports Events Committee at the Club, Nasser Al Dhaheri, Acting Director of Marine Sports, and Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Head of the Academy Section.