Sir Bu Nair Dhow Race To Celebrate Emirati Maritime Heritage On October 25

The Sir Bu Nair Dhow Sailing Race for traditional 60-foot dhows is set to occur on 25 October. This event, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, celebrates the maritime heritage of the UAE. Organised by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA) and Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, it highlights Emiratis' deep connection to the sea.

During a press conference at Sharjah Media City (Shams), key figures such as Tariq Saeed Allay and Mohammed Hassan Khalaf announced the race. The event will feature over 60 dhows with more than 1,200 sailors competing for AED 2.8 million in prizes across the Arabian Gulf. The start line coordinates will be determined by weather conditions, while the finish line is set at Sir Bu Nair Island.

To ensure safety, each dhow will have licensed towboats, mandatory life jackets, and GPS tracking systems. Mohammed Hassan Khalaf highlighted that organising this race through Sharjah Sports Channel reflects their commitment to reviving national sports and preserving maritime traditions. He stated, "The Sir Bu Nair Race embodies Sharjah’s vision of merging sport with heritage and reaffirms our mission to document and promote the emirate’s sporting and cultural achievements."

Mohammed Majid Al Suwaidi assured that Sharjah Sports Channel is ready to provide excellent live coverage. This includes expert analysis and updates via SBA’s "Maraya" digital platform and Sharjah Marine Sports Club's official accounts. He described the race as one of Sharjah's most prestigious marine events, celebrating the spirit of the sea and UAE's seafaring legacy.

Tariq Saeed Allay stressed media's role in preserving heritage and strengthening cultural memory. Support from the Sharjah Government Media Bureau aims to highlight Emirati traditions' authenticity and identity. Ahmed Issa Al Hosani expressed pride in organising this race during the Silver Jubilee of the Sir Bu Nair Festival, thanking Sharjah Sports Channel and SBA for their efforts.

The event not only honours maritime history but also showcases modern safety measures ensuring a fair competition. With significant prize money at stake, participants are expected to demonstrate exceptional skills. The collaboration between various organisations underscores a shared commitment to cultural preservation through sport.

With inputs from WAM