Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) is witnessing growing community interest in its September Sailing Training Programme, with participation continuing to grow during its second week. UAE nationals and residents from diverse nationalities and age groups are taking part, highlighting the appeal of sailing as both an Olympic sport and a platform that brings the community together.
The second week welcomed a new group of young sailors to the Optimist category, including Noura Harib Saeed Harib, who took part in her first training session at just two years and seven months of age. She was joined by Alex, aged three and a half, and Obaid Issa, aged five, reflecting the growing interest among families in introducing children to marine sports from an early age.
The ILCA category, an Olympic sailing discipline, also attracted a diverse group of women and men of different ages. Several parents joined their children on the water, creating a unique family experience and adding a strong community dimension to the programme.
One of the defining moments of the second week was the interaction between different generations on Dubai’s shores. Parents and children trained and sailed together, creating an experience that reflects the UAE community’s longstanding connection with the sea and demonstrates how maritime knowledge, skills and traditions can be passed from one generation to the next.
The programme follows a progressive training structure designed to accommodate participants according to their age, experience and individual abilities. Beginners undertake Level One training, while more experienced sailors progress through Level Two. Sessions combine theoretical knowledge, practical sailing skills and safety.
Yousuf Khalid Albastaki, Chief Coach Leader at the Talent & Development Section at Dubai International Marine Club, said the increasing participation reflects a growing awareness of the role sport plays in developing healthy lifestyles, confidence and essential life skills.
“The program sends an important message through the commitment we see from parents who accompany their children from the early hours of the morning during the weekend. This reflects the family’s role in encouraging children to participate in a healthy sport, develop their abilities and make meaningful use of their time through learning and activity. The success of the program is not only a success for the Club, but also a reflection of the supportive environment for sport, learning and diversity that the UAE and Dubai provide.”
Al Bastaki highlighted the growing participation of Emirati boys and girls alongside residents from different nationalities as a strong example of sport’s ability to bring people together.
“Modern sailing is much more than a sport,” he said. “It combines physical fitness, concentration, decision-making, an understanding of wind conditions and the marine environment, self-reliance and safety. This makes sailing a valuable and comprehensive learning experience for people of different ages.”
He added that the diverse participation seen during the programme reflects DIMC’s longstanding role in promoting maritime culture and preserving the UAE’s connection with the sea, while supporting the development of modern and Olympic marine sports.
“For us, seeing a young child taking their first steps in sailing alongside a young person or parent who is learning and enjoying the experience with them is something to be proud of,” Al Bastaki said. “Sport has no age limit. Sailing can be the beginning of a journey for a child, a shared hobby for a family, or the start of a sporting pathway for a talented sailor who may one day represent the UAE.”
DIMC will continue the Modern Sailing Training Program throughout September, with a focus on developing participants across the Optimist and ILCA categories and providing opportunities for sailors to build their skills and continue their journey in the sport.
Beyond competition, the program reflects DIMC’s broader sporting and community mission — reinforcing the UAE’s enduring connection with the sea while investing in future generations, supporting families, developing national talent and creating opportunities for people from across the community.
Through modern sailing, the Club continues to bring the UAE’s maritime heritage into the future, connecting generations through sport while inspiring a new generation to discover the sea.
