In celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority will host the highly anticipated Eid Al Etihad Traditional 40ft Rowing Race on 3 December 2025.
This year’s event carries special significance, as it coincides with the official inauguration announcement of the Zayed National Museum in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District, underscoring the Authority’s ongoing commitment to active participation in cultural, heritage, and national events.
The race consists of four rounds representing the colours of the UAE flag, with 68 boats and 1,156 sailors competing over a three-nautical-mile course. The organising committee has set the starting point at Reem Island, with the route passing the Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum before concluding at the finish line opposite Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The race offers a prize pool of more than AED2.4 million. The first-place winner in each round will receive AED80,000 along with a golden boat replica, the second-place winner will receive AED70,000 and a silver boat replica, and the third-place winner will receive AED60,000 and a bronze boat replica. The remaining prizes will be distributed among the other participants.
The event reflects the authority’s commitment to preserving maritime heritage, promoting traditional marine sports, and showcasing the UAE’s rich seafaring legacy. It supports the authority’s mission to reinforce national identity by bringing together seasoned sailors and younger generations, highlighting the historic role the sea played in the lives of earlier communities.
Organising traditional marine races during national occasions helps strengthen the values of cooperation, teamwork, and perseverance that are deeply rooted in Emirati society. The event brings together various segments of the community in a festive atmosphere that strengthens social bonds and unites everyone around shared national symbols.
