Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) has opened registration for the Al Shindagha Traditional Dhow Sailing Race – 22ft Category, Round 1, with the season-opening race set to take place next Saturday, officially launching the Club’s 2026–2027 marine sports season.
The opening race marks the return of traditional sailing competition following the summer break, with captains, sailors and marine sports enthusiasts preparing for a new season of action on the waters of Dubai.
DIMC has welcomed all traditional dhow captains and sailors to register for the first race of the new campaign, which is expected to deliver close competition as participants return to racing and begin their pursuit of honours for the season.
The 22ft category features Junior and Youth divisions, providing young sailors with an important platform to compete, gain experience and develop their skills in traditional sailing. The Junior category is open to participants aged 8 to 16, while the Youth category includes sailors aged 8 to 21. Regulations also permit one Youth-category sailor to compete on each boat in the Junior division.
Participants can complete their registration through the designated link available on DIMC’s official channels.
Speaking ahead of the season opener, Mohammed Al Marri, Director of Sports Affairs at the Dubai International Marine Club, said preparations had been completed following an extensive period of boat maintenance and readiness work.
“Work and preparations began immediately after the conclusion of last season, including the maintenance and preparation of the boats. Everyone is eager for the return of marine competitions following the summer break — from the captains and sailors to the fans and the entire maritime community.
“We look forward to a season filled with strong competition and high-level performances, beginning with the Al Shindagha Traditional Dhow Sailing Race in the 22ft category.
“The Club’s management has chosen to name the races after prominent historical and cultural landmarks in Dubai, including Al Shindagha, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbour, Jumeirah and Ain Dubai, in addition to the Al Gaffal Race and other marine events.”
Al Marri also underlined the significance of the 22ft race in developing the next generation of sailors, noting that the category has historically provided a pathway for young competitors who have gone on to establish themselves among the leading names in UAE marine racing.
“The upcoming race represents an important opportunity for our juniors and youth to showcase their abilities and continue developing their talents. This category has historically produced sailors who have become prominent figures in marine racing, and we look forward to seeing another competitive race this season.
“We expect close racing, strong performances and fierce competition right through to the final metres, with the top positions likely to be decided only at the finish.”
The Al Shindagha 22ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race will set the tone for DIMC’s new marine sports season, as the Club continues its commitment to preserving and promoting the UAE’s rich maritime heritage while encouraging younger generations to embrace traditional sailing.
The 2026–2027 DIMC marine sports calendar features a comprehensive program of 40 races, championships and events, running from September 2026 through April 2027. The program brings together a diverse range of traditional and modern marine sports, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for marine sporting events and supporting the continued preservation of the UAE’s maritime legacy.
