News

UAE, Abu Dhabi, 21 September 2025: The traditional dhow "Zilzal 25" was crowned champion of the Abu Al Abyad 60-foot sailing dhow race held today under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra Region. The event was organized by the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club and covered a distance of 20 nautical miles amid distinctive weather conditions with wind speeds reaching 16 knots along the race route, finishing at the breakwater in the capital Abu Dhabi.

The participating dhows set off at 1:44 PM and completed the race in a time of 97 minutes, with the event concluding at 3:21 PM.

"Zilzal 25," owned by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and captained by Nawkhatha (skipper) Mohammed Abdullah Al Marzouqi, took first place. The runner-up was "Al Dhafra 125," also owned by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and captained by Nawkhatha Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi. Third place went to "Hasheem 199," owned by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and captained by Nawkhatha Hassan Abdullah Al Marzouqi.

At the race's conclusion, the winners and top finishers were awarded by His Excellency Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Board Member of Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Head of Traditional Races Department, and Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Head of the Academy Department.

The Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club extended its sincere thanks and appreciation to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the Club’s strategic partner, for its continuous support of marine traditional and modern sports activities and championships.

Thanks were also expressed to the organizing partners, including the Diwan of the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, National Center of Meteorology, Abu Dhabi Media Network, Facilities Protection Authority, and Delma Marine.