A highlight of Dubai's event calendar, Al Gaffal Dhow Race is a long-distance sailing competition that takes place in the spring in Dubai. Held since 1991, the race was established to honour the nation's maritime heritage. Many Emirati families trace their roots to the pearl trade with ancestors who were divers, dhow captains or pearl merchants, and the event celebrates their history.

In a city that is home to over 200 nationalities, it's rare to find an event reserved almost exclusively for locals. The fact that every crew member in Al Gaffal Dhow Race must be an Emirati makes it a truly special event. This celebration of culture is also supported by royalty: His Highness 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, is the race's patron.

The race is vital to the nation’s identity

The traditional dhow dates back to the days of pearl diving, with the vessels playing an integral part in the development of Dubai as an international trading port. Seeing the large 60ft dhows sailing majestically across the waters in the sunshine as part of the race is an unforgettable sight.

The dhows follow a historical route, showing off some of the most impressive parts of the Dubai coastline. Starting at Sir Bu Nair Island, the race heads east for 23 nautical miles to a mandatory checkpoint at Moon Island, before turning southeast to the finish line at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel. This happens to be the same route taken by pearl divers returning from long trips at sea. The term Al Gaffal translates from Arabic as 'the return'.

Starting just after 5:30am, the dhows usually arrive at the finish line before midday. Spectators can watch the crisp white sails from anywhere onshore, or get up close and personal with the race action aboard one of the ferries specially chartered for the event.

Stay tuned to Dubai Calendar to find out when the 2025 edition of Al Gaffal Dhow Race will take place and, in the meantime, get your own fill of watersports action in Dubai.

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