In brief
Sheikh Hazza bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan held the award ceremony for the 9th Historic Dalma Long‑Distance Sailing Dhow Race on 4 November 2026, where Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi’s 60‑foot dhows swept the top three spots. The 68‑nautical‑mile contest drew 120 dhows and more than 2,400 sailors and offered a total prize fund of about AED 30 million. The festival continues until 15 November under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
On 4 November 2026, Sheikh Hazza bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan crowned the winners of the 9th Historic Dalma Long‑Distance Sailing Dhow Race, taking place in the Al Dhafra Region of the United Arab Emirates.
The awards ceremony was held in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Marine Sports Federation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club; Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Under‑Secretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region; and Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary‑General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, the festival is part of a broader heritage celebration that will run until 15 November 2026.
The 60‑foot dhow race covered a distance of 68 nautical miles (approximately 125 km), starting from Dalma Island, passing eight small islands, and concluding at Al Mugheirah Beach.
Over 120 dhows from across the UAE – carrying more than 2 400 sailors – entered the competition, thrilling spectators with traditional seafaring chants and high‑speed manoeuvres.
The event offered a prize fund of about AED 30 million, making it one of the most lucrative and demanding traditional sailing competitions in the region.
Podium Sweep by Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi
Al Shamsi’s fleet captured an unprecedented sweep of the podium, with three of his dhows—Majan, Majan 1 and Majan 2—claiming first, second and third places respectively.
Majan, No. 99, was captained by Marwan Al Marzouqi and secured first place after a tense battle for the lead that stretched into the final nautical miles.
Majan 1, No. 63, captained by Issa Sultan Juma Al Marzouqi, finished second, sprinting past many of the older, heavier vessels in the closing phase of the race.
The third‑place finish went to Majan 2, No. 279, captained by Ahmed Salem Ahmed Al Hammadi, who out‑maneuvered rivals in a narrow tail‑gating finish near Al Mugheirah Beach.
Sheikh Hazza noted that the dominant performance of Al Shamsi’s dhows highlighted the skill and dedication of their crews, as well as the legacy of traditional dhow craftsmanship.
Traditional sailors and spectators celebrated the remarkable achievement, witnessing a display that echoed the maritime prowess of former generations.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan praised the spirit of competition, stating that “the race is a living testament to the UAE’s rich nautical heritage.”
Under‑Secretary Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri highlighted the event’s role in promoting cultural tourism and local maritime activity, adding that the festival would likely attract even more participants in the coming years.
Secretary‑General Aref Hamad Al Awani emphasized that the success of the race “reinforces the importance of preserving our maritime traditions while encouraging modern sporting excellence.”
Past champions who attended the ceremony remarked that the level of competition had risen, noting that the 68‑mile route demands advanced navigation and teamwork skills from even the most seasoned sailors.
With the festival scheduled to continue until 15 November, organizers are preparing for the 10th edition in 2027, which will feature an expanded fleet and additional awards for the youngest participants.
Overall, the 9th Historic Dalma Long‑Distance Sailing Dhow Race celebrated both the heritage and modernity of UAE maritime culture, setting a high bar for future editions of the festival.
