Dubai: Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Al Nasr Sports Club, has approved the date for the 35th Edition of the Al Gaffal Long Distance Race, scheduled for October 2026. The race is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan received a delegation from the Supreme Organising Committee to coordinate efforts regarding the event. The meeting focused on ensuring that the race is staged under optimal conditions for all participants, emphasizing its significance in traditional marine sports within the UAE and beyond.
Sheikh Rashid acknowledged the support from H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, which has been pivotal for the event's continuity. He stressed that this support is crucial for strengthening the race's status as a significant sporting and heritage occasion linked to the UAE's maritime identity.
He instructed the Supreme Organising Committee to facilitate competitor participation and address any challenges faced by owners and sailors. The committee was directed to work with strategic partners to ensure the event's success, building on previous participation and records.
The Supreme Organising Committee includes Dr Ahmed Saeed bin Meshar, Chairman of the Committee, Khalid Khamis bin Dasmal, Khalid Ali Al Blooshi, and Mohammed Abdullah Harib Al Falahi. They reviewed plans and preparations by the Dubai International Marine Club to maintain the race's achievements.
Al Gaffal is a traditional sporting and heritage event for 60ft local sailing dhows, initiated in 1991 by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It celebrates the legacy of the forefathers and the UAE's connection to the sea, preserving local sailing traditions.
Dr Ahmed Saeed bin Meshar expressed gratitude for Sheikh Rashid's ongoing support, noting that his guidance motivates the committee to enhance efforts for a successful forthcoming edition. He highlighted the race's importance as a heritage event reflecting the vision of its founder.
Al Gaffal attracts extensive participation from the marine sports community, with thousands of participants covering over 50 nautical miles in the Arabian Gulf. The previous edition featured more than 110 dhows.