News

Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 15, 2025: The 8th edition of the Dalma Historic Race Festival has officially commenced under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra region. The festival is organized through the cooperation of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and is set to conclude on June 1 at Dalma Island in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Marine Sports Federation and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, highlighted the festival’s importance as a key cultural and sporting event that preserves and celebrates the UAE’s maritime heritage. He described the race as a vibrant maritime saga that revives stories of the forefathers along the coastlines, embodying values such as patience, determination, and deep-rooted belonging.

The race route spans from the historic Dalma Island to Al Mugheerah, covering a distance that underscores the festival’s ambition to continuously develop and elevate the event. The competition serves as a platform to strengthen community ties and foster a spirit of positive competition, aligning with the UAE’s “Year of the Community” initiative, which promotes collective efforts, social cohesion, and cultural diversity consistent with the nation’s identity and maritime history.

His Excellency Fares Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, praised the festival’s continuous development and the directives from leadership, particularly those of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which aim to ensure the sustainability of the UAE’s maritime heritage and support for traditional and modern marine sports alike. He emphasized the festival’s role in educating younger generations about their ancestors’ lives and preserving national identity through sport and cultural activities.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, expressed his sincere thanks to the country’s leadership for their unwavering support of traditional sports. He assured that the council is fully committed to providing all necessary resources and cooperation to ensure the success of this culturally significant event in collaboration with government and private sector entities.

The Dalma Historic Race Festival features 49 competitions with total prizes exceeding AED 33 million. The centerpiece is the 60-foot sailing dhow race, the longest in its category, covering 68 nautical miles (approximately 125 kilometers), with prize money of nearly AED 30 million.