News

UAE, Al Mirfa – Monday, 9 February 2026: Al Mirfa City in the Al Dhafra Region hosted the Jananah Race for 22-foot dhows and the Traditional Diving Competition, both held as part of the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026, in a competitive atmosphere that reflected the status and renewed presence of traditional marine sports. The events were organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Counciland the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club.

In the Traditional Diving Competition, Ahmed Al Shahi secured first place, followed by Omar Abdullah Al Areimi in second place, while Yaqoub Yousef Al Hammadi finished third.

In the Jananah Race for 22-foot dhows, “Toofan 21,” owned by Hamad Rashid Al Rumaithi and captained by Ahmed Al Mazrouei, claimed first place. “Dahis 18,” owned and captained by Abdulrahman Al Marzouqi, finished second, while “Zalzalah 125,” owned and captained by Abdullah Marwan Al Marzouqi, came third.

The conclusion of both races featured an awards ceremony attended by several officials. Veteran captain Mohammed Saber Al Mazrouei honored the winners in a gesture embodying the message of the Abu Dhabi Masters Games, which promotes senior participation and reinforces the values of continuity and giving. The ceremony was also attended by Saeed Khalifa Al Mehairi, Director of Community Sports at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Ali Salmeen Al Dhaheri, Head of Traditional Races at the Council; Saeed Humaid Al Mehairi, Head of Technical Support at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club; Khalifa Rashid Al Rumaithi, Director of Traditional Sports Events at the Club; and Khalifa Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director of the Club’s Academy.

The competitions underscored the important role of traditional marine sports in strengthening national identity and providing opportunities for various age groups to participate in championships that combine authenticity with a spirit of challenge, within an integrated organizational framework reflecting the professionalism of sport in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.