The Noukhthat Abu Dhabi Summer Program, organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Academy, has recognised the next generation of outstanding sailors in traditional sailing, dhow handling and navigation, following activities held across Abu Dhabi, Al Mirfa, and Dalma Island. The programme was attended by about 300 participants, including People of Determination, strengthening their connection to national identity and the UAE’s maritime heritage.
The programme delivered a comprehensive curriculum of classroom learning combined with practical maritime training and knowledge development led by experienced instructors, providing participants with knowledge and skills related to the marine environment and the UAE’s maritime heritage. It also identified and developed a pool of young national talent to carry forward the legacy of traditional marine sports.
The closing ceremony, held at Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, featured demonstrations by participants showcasing the skills they had developed during the programme. These included swimming, modern sailing, and traditional sailing, as well as a range of knowledge and skills related to the marine environment and the UAE’s maritime heritage.
During the ceremony, 24 outstanding students were recognised, across the traditional dhow sailing and modern sailing categories, for their commitment and skills and their efforts to achieve high standards in marine sports. Participants from the People of Determination category were also recognised. Nokhatha Juma Hathboor Al Rumaithi and Nokhatha Mohammed Saber Al Mazrouei presented the honours.
Saeed Khalifa Al Muhairi, Director of the Community Sports Department at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said that the Noukhthat Abu Dhabi Summer Program reflects the council’s commitment to launching initiatives that enable young people to make productive use of their time during the summer holiday while strengthening their connection to national identity and the UAE’s maritime heritage, in line with the leadership’s vision to preserve national heritage and instill it in future generations.
Al Muhairi added that the programme provided an integrated platform to prepare and develop a new generation of nokhathas by combining practical training with knowledge development, contributing to a pipeline of national talent capable of carrying forward the legacy of traditional marine sports. He noted that holding the programme in Abu Dhabi, Al Mirfa, and Dalma Island reflects efforts to broaden participation and reach communities across different areas of the emirate.
The closing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Hamed Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Sector at the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority; Salem Mohammed Al Darei, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Global Market; Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Obaid Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority; Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime; Salem Al Rashdi, Executive Director of the Corporate Enablement Sector at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority; Hussein Al Khouri, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club; Majid Abdullah Al Mheiri, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club; and Abdulkhaliq Al Ameri, CEO of Sarh Group.
