Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the 8th Historic Dalma Race Festival will be held from May 16 until June 1, 2025.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event will take place on Dalma Island, located in the Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi.
The highlight of the festival is the Historic Dalma Dhow Sailing Race for 60ft vessels — the longest traditional sailing race in the Arabian Gulf — covering 68 nautical miles (approximately 125km).
The 2025 edition of the race will begin from Dalma Island, navigating through islands such as Ghasha, Umm Al Kurkum, Al Fatayer, Al Bazm, Al Faiy, Marawah, and Jananah, with the race finishing at Al Mugheirah City Beach. This establishes the race as the Gulf's longest and most challenging traditional sailing event.
Throughout its duration, the Historic Dalma Festival will feature weekend activities every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. These activities aim to attract a wide audience, promote tourism, boost the local economy on Dalma Island, and create an immersive social and cultural atmosphere for families and the broader public to enjoy.
The festival will offer a diverse lineup of coastal, marine, and sporting events, including the Dalma Shaari Fishing Championship, the 40ft Dalma Traditional Rowing Race, stand-up paddleboard competitions, cycling races, domino and carrom tournaments for both men and women, a running race, and a selection of traditional games. Visitors can also enjoy a broad program of recreational and educational activities throughout the event.
The accompanying heritage market will host a selection of traditional shops offering Emirati crafts and authentic local dishes, along with dedicated children’s areas, theatrical performances, and daily competitions. Traditional handcraft demonstrations will highlight the rich cultural legacy passed down through generations in the UAE.
The Dalma Historic Race Festival aims to revive the UAE’s maritime heritage, strengthen national identity, and pass on the values of the past to future generations. It seeks to raise awareness among citizens, residents, and visitors of the historical importance of the Emirati islands and their cultural role, while also supporting productive families, stimulating Dalma Island’s economy, and positioning the festival as one of Abu Dhabi’s leading tourism and sporting destinations.
