Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club Announce the 2026 Marine events Calendar

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club have announced the full schedule of races and events for the 2026 marine season, which includes 19 traditional marine races featuring dhow and sailing boat competitions, as well as the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship. This comes as part of ongoing efforts to preserve the authentic Emirati maritime heritage and enhance its presence among younger generations.

The season kicked off in January with the Al Aliah Sailing Boats Race in Abu Dhabi. In February, traditional races continued with the Salaha Sailing Boats Race held on 7 February in Al Dhafra Region, along with the Al Tafrees Heritage Race. The Jananah Dhow Race (22ft category) was held on 8 February in Al Dhafra.

March will witness the historic Dalma Dhow Race (60ft category) on 28 March, starting from Dalma Island to Al Mirfa, which is considered one of the most prominent heritage highlights in the marine season calendar. As part of its events, the Dalma Dhow Race (22ft category) will take place on 27 March on Dalma Island, in addition to several accompanying sporting activities. Races will continue in April with the Abu Al Abyad Dhow Race (60ft category) on 11 April and the Abu Dhabi Dhow Race (22ft category) on 24 April.

Marine activities will resume in September with the Yas Sailing Boats Race on 11 September in Abu Dhabi, followed by the Areelah Dhow Race (60ft category) on 18 September, also in Abu Dhabi. In October, three marine races will be held: the Hudayriyat Dhow Race (22ft category) on 2 October, the Al Nouf Dhow Race (43ft category) on 10 October, and the Ghanadah Dhow Race (60ft category) on 17 October. As part of the Al Sila Marine Festival, taking place from 7 to 15 November, the Al Sila Dhow Race (43ft category) and the Barakah Sailing Boats Race will be organized.

Marine activities will conclude in December with the Al Yasat Marine Festival, held from 11 to 20 December, which will feature the Al Yasat Dhow Race (60ft category), the Al Qaffay Dhow Race (22ft category), the Marawah Dhow Race (43ft category), in addition to the traditional rowing race.

The directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, to ensure that all races are organized in accordance with the highest organizational and technical standards form a fundamental pillar in the success of the marine season and contribute to reinforcing the position of traditional races that reflect the depth of the UAE’s maritime heritage.

H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, affirmed that the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan enhance the competitiveness and heritage value of the races while ensuring the safety of participants.

Al Awani added: “In line with our commitment to enhancing integrity and transparency in dhow sailing races, a dedicated legal regulation for heritage dhow races will be issued. It will include provisions governing technical complaints, appeals, and the mechanisms for submission and review, ensuring the protection of the rights of all participants, achieving sporting justice, unifying approved legal procedures, and raising levels of discipline and compliance with regulations in line with the prestigious status and heritage value of these races, while strengthening the confidence of captains and owners in the approved regulatory system.”

Al Awani also pointed out that the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, for the third edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship, which will be held on 17 April, reflects the significant support enjoyed by marine sports. It also contributes to strengthening the championship’s position on the marine events calendar and attracting elite participants, thereby consolidating Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading destination for traditional marine sports.

The announcement of the 2026 marine competitions and events calendar aligns with the vision of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club to consolidate Abu Dhabi’s position as the capital of traditional marine sports and preserve this rich cultural heritage as an integral part of the national identity of the United Arab Emirates.