Dubai International Marine Club has formed the supreme organising committee for the 35th Al Gaffal Race, with the event pencilled in for a window between May 16 and 31.
The race, for 60ft dhows, will again be held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The decision was taken at the club’s second board meeting of 2026.
Dr Ahmed Saeed bin Meshar will chair the new committee, with Saif Juma Al Suwaidi as vice-chairman. Other members are Khalid Khamis bin Dismal, Khalid Ali Al Balooshi and Mohammed Abdullah Harib, chief executive of Dubai International Marine Club. Mohammed Fadhel Al Sadi has been named rapporteur.
Organisers said the timing of this year’s race will depend on continued safety assessments in light of events in the region.
The committee has been tasked with reviewing conditions on an ongoing basis, while also preparing contingency plans and coordinating with government authorities to secure the race course.
Preparations are continuing so the event can go ahead once conditions allow.
First staged in 1991, the Al Gaffal Race is one of the UAE’s best-known heritage sporting events. It was launched as a tribute to the country’s seafaring past and recreates the traditional return from pearl-diving season.
The race covers more than 50 nautical miles and attracts more than 3,000 participants each year, making it one of the largest heritage marine events in the region.
Bin Meshar said the race remains closely tied to the vision of its founder, the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and to the wider aim of preserving Emirati maritime heritage.
He said the event reflects the long-standing bond between people in the UAE and the sea, which shaped livelihoods and daily life for generations.
Last year’s 34th edition was held on May 2. More than 110 dhows took part, with Zilzal 25 claiming the title after crossing the finish line off Burj Al Arab for its fourth win.
