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"Al Dhafra Marine Festival" Crowns Winners of Jananah Dhow Sailing Race and Al Tafrees Heritage Race

15/02/2025

Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, February 16, 2025 – The Al Dhafra Marine Festival crowned the winners of the Jananah 22-ft Dhow Sailing Race and the Al Tafrees Heritage Race, which took place yesterday as part of the 16th edition of the festival. The event, organized by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, is being held at Al Mugheirah Beach in Al Dhafra and will continue until February 23.

Jananah 22-ft Dhow Sailing Race Results

The race started from Jananah Island, covering a 7-nautical-mile course to the finish line at Al Mugheirah Beach, with 87 dhows competing. The top three finishers were:

  1. First Place – "Zelzal", owned by Nokhatha Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi
  2. Second Place – "Dahis", owned by Nokhatha Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Marzouqi
  3. Third Place – "Al Ayay", owned by Nokhatha Hamid Abdullah Ahmed Al Ali

Al Tafrees Heritage Race Results

The Al Tafrees Heritage Race, covering a 3-nautical-mile course, featured 20 traditional bawanish boats. The top three winners were:

  1. First Place – "Asifat Al Hazm", owned by Nokhatha Abdullah Marwan Al Marzouqi
  2. Second Place – "Al Lulu", owned by Nokhatha Rashid Saeed Sabah Al Rumaithi
  3. Third Place – "Muhajir", owned by Nokhatha Majid Ahmed Khadem Al Muhairi

Awards Ceremony and Special Recognitions

The winners were honored by:

  • Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority
  • Nasser Al Dhaheri, Acting Director of Marine Sports at Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club
  • Zayed Sari Al Mazrouei, Head of Events at Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority
  • Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Head of Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Academy

Exciting Competitions at the Festival

The kite surfing competitions at the Al Dhafra Marine Festival are witnessing intense challenges in the freestyle category, attracting a strong presence of sports enthusiasts.

Additionally, the traditional games competitions, which are a key part of Emirati heritage and a vital aspect of the community's cultural memory, have seen wide participation and strong competition among contestants.