The Dubai International Marine Club unveiled its 2026-2027 season calendar on July 6 featuring 40 events that will run from September 2026 until April 2027. The new season gears up with the 22ft Al Shindagha Traditional Dhow Sailing Race and the 43ft Atlantis Traditional Dhow Sailing Race as initial highlights in September. This diverse programme incorporates traditional dhow sailing in multiple sizes along with rowing, aquabike, fishing, kitesurfing, kayaking and international powerboat series, the club reported in its announcement. Officials positioned the calendar as reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub for marine sports.
One of the major attractions is the holding of two Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Races during the season. The 35th edition, which had been postponed, is slated for October 2026 while the 36th edition will close the season in April 2027. Gulf News has reported that the race originated in 1991 as an effort to preserve the UAE’s maritime heritage and pearl diving traditions. Recent stagings have drawn close to 120 competing dhows and several thousand participants according to industry reports.
Dr. Ahmad Saeed Bin Meshar, the chairman of Dubai International Marine Club, said the programme balances heritage and modern sports. “This programme reflects the Club’s vision of delivering an integrated sporting season that combines preserving the UAE’s rich maritime heritage with strengthening the presence of modern marine sports, in line with Dubai’s global reputation for hosting and organising major international sporting events, particularly those deeply rooted in our maritime traditions,” Bin Meshar said. He extended thanks to the UAE’s leadership for their support of sports and athletes. The chairman also acknowledged the contributions of strategic partners such as the Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Police.
The September lineup further includes the Victory Team’s entry in the UIM Formula 1 World Championship in Shanghai. October brings the 60ft Burj Al Arab race and the first Al Gaffal event while November packs in rowing races, fishing tournaments, the Dubai International Boat Show and more Formula 1 action in Jeddah. December will see the club host the 30th Al Maktoum Cup rowing race and the UIM XCAT Dubai Grand Prix. The early 2027 months shift focus to specialised competitions in kitesurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling and aquabike racing, the club detailed.
March features additional traditional dhow events including the 60ft Dubai Eye race and trial runs. The entire calendar aims to cater to both athletes and enthusiasts while promoting the development of local talent in marine sports. Bin Meshar noted that the club enters the season with ambitions for organisational and sporting excellence on the international stage. The club was established in 1988 to organise watersports centrally in Dubai, a Dubai City Guide profile stated.
