News

Abu Dhabi, October 3, 2025 – Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club organized today the Areeleh 60ft Dhow Sailing Race, as part of this year’s traditional racing program.

The dhow Al Taber 55, owned by Rashid Mohammed bin Ghadeer and skippered by Mohammed Suhail Khalfan Al Muhairi, secured first place. In second came Jernain 99, owned by Ali Abdullah Al Marzouqi and skippered by Issa Sultan Al Marzouqi, while third place went to Hasheem 199, owned and skippered by Hassan Abdullah Mohammed Al Marzouqi.

More than 90 dhows competed in the race, which was the second round of this category. The fleet started from off Khalifa Port, where strong winds at the beginning pushed the sails at high speeds before the skippers tactically chose their best routes. The 25-nautical-mile course concluded at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club headquarters. The organizing committee allocated AED 4,238,000 in prizes, distributed among winners from first place through 90th place.

The race turned into a vibrant maritime heritage festival filled with passion and traditional chants, evoking the spirit of the forefathers as the white sails rose high against the horizon. Crowds of heritage racing enthusiasts followed from Abu Dhabi Corniche as the race unfolded over more than an hour and a half, highlighting the high pace of competition. Although lead positions shifted along the way, Al Taber 55 maintained its dominance from the start, with a thrilling final stretch before all participating dhows crossed the finish line safely.

The winners were honored by H.E. Majid Abdullah Al Muhairi, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club; Mubarak Al Muhairbi, Deputy General Manager for Administrative Affairs and Community Management at ADNOC; Majid Atiq Al Muhairi, Areeleh Race Supervisor; and Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Academy.