The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club are jointly organising the festival, which runs through November 15. Its centrepiece is the long-distance sailing contest for 60-foot dhows that stretches 125 kilometres from Dalma Island across multiple historic sites before finishing at Al Mugheirah Beach. The Abu Dhabi Media Office described the route as passing Sir Bani Yas, Ghasha, Umm Al Kurkum, Al Fatayer, Al Bazm, Al Fiayi, Marawah and Janana islands, establishing the competition as the region’s most demanding traditional marine event.
Previous editions have consistently drawn more than 3,000 sailors aboard approximately 120 dhows, Abu Dhabi Sports Council records show. The seventh edition in 2024 attracted 122 vessels competing for the same AED30 million prize pool while the eighth running in 2025 maintained similar scale under the same patronage. Organisers expect the current festival to build on that participation as it continues to highlight UAE maritime traditions.
Supporting marine contests at the festival include the traditional 40-foot rowing boat race carrying AED2.4 million in prizes and the Shaari fishing championship. These events complement the main dhow contest by offering additional competitive platforms for participants from across the Gulf. The Abu Dhabi Media Office noted that the full schedule extends competitor involvement from the opening date through mid-November.
A broad array of sporting and community activities will run on weekends from November 6 to 15, welcoming visitors to cycling, swimming and running races alongside padel, women’s badminton, beach football, beach volleyball and falconry events. The Abu Dhabi Media Office stated that the programme blends athletic challenges with cultural engagement to broaden appeal beyond maritime enthusiasts. Such activities have grown in scope across recent festivals as organisers seek to strengthen public interaction with national heritage.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, is patron of the ninth edition, continuing his longstanding support for the series. In earlier years he has personally awarded prizes to winning crews and commended participants for advancing UAE maritime identity, according to statements from the media office. The patronage has helped elevate the festival’s status as a cornerstone heritage event within the emirate.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Marine Sports Federation and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, emphasised that the launch of the ninth edition represents a continuation of efforts to preserve maritime heritage. Al Nahyan told the Abu Dhabi Media Office, “The Dalma Race goes beyond sporting competition to tell the story of the Emirati people’s enduring relationship with the sea and the values of determination, patience and cooperation associated with it. We believe that the sustainability of heritage begins with engaging younger generations in its practice and passing on its knowledge and skills, ensuring that it remains a living and evolving legacy deeply rooted in the community.” The main race’s prize fund ranks among the largest in traditional marine racing history, providing substantial rewards from first through 120th place.