Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the Arilah 60ft Dhow Sailing Race will take place on 3 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, the event forms part of the season’s traditional racing programme and underscores the importance of safeguarding the UAE’s national heritage while sustaining an ongoing interest in traditional maritime sports.
The event is expected to attract more than 90 traditional sailing dhows over a 25 nautical mile course, bringing together dhow owners, captains and elite sailors in a competitive showcase of skilled seamanship.
With a total prize pool of AED4.2million on offer, the event encourages wide participation, while upholding the values of fair competition and sporting excellence. The race supports the preservation of the UAE’s maritime heritage, promotes traditional sailing skills, and helps pass knowledge to future generations through active participation and community engagement.
