A Fleet of Majan Dhows Conquers the Waters: Al Shamsi’s Triumph at the 9th Historic Dalma Race

Beneath a favourable Arabian wind, 120 traditional sailing dhows traced an ancient maritime route across 125 kilometres of open water, their crews preserving a seafaring heritage that stretches back generations. The crowning moment belonged to Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, whose three vessels claimed every position on the podium.

The waters surrounding Dalma Island stirred with the pageantry of tradition on 4th November as Sheikh Hazza bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan presided over the awards ceremony for the Historic Dalma Long-Distance Sailing Dhow Race, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region. The moment captured something essential about the Emirati connection to the sea: a competition that honours the navigation skills and maritime knowledge of previous generations whilst celebrating the present-day mastery of those who command these vessels.

One hundred and twenty dhows, crewed by more than 2,400 sailors from across the UAE, embarked on a challenging 68-nautical-mile course that took them past eight islands before reaching the finish line at Al Mugheirah Beach. The race, regarded as one of the most exacting and longest traditional sailing competitions, saw the dhows rising with their sails from Dalma Island, propelled by wind and the rhythmic pull of seafaring chants that have echoed across Arabian waters for centuries.

The podium sweep achieved by Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi’s dhows stands as a remarkable testament to maritime excellence. The dhow Majan, captained by Marwan Al Marzouqi, crossed the finish line first, claiming the top prize of AED1.5 million. Majan 1, under the command of Issa Sultan Juma Al Marzouqi, secured second place and AED1.2 million, whilst Majan 2, captained by Ahmed Salem Ahmed Al Hammadi, completed the sweep in third with AED1 million. The intensity of the final nautical miles saw the leading vessels exchanging positions repeatedly before the winners emerged, their arrival met with enthusiastic celebration from festival spectators gathered along the shore.

The total prize fund of approximately AED30 million distributed among all participants down to 120th place underscores the significance invested in preserving and honouring this maritime tradition. The race forms part of the 9th Historic Dalma Race Festival, organised by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, and will continue until 15th November 2026 with a programme encompassing sporting, heritage and entertainment activities.

The ceremony brought together Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Marine Sports Federation and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club; Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region; and Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, reflecting the institutional commitment to sustaining these nautical competitions.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The Historic Dalma Race represents far more than sporting competition; it embodies the living connection between Abu Dhabi’s maritime heritage and contemporary identity. By drawing over 2,400 sailors and attracting vessels from across the emirate, the festival affirms the enduring cultural significance of traditional dhow racing within Emirati society. The substantial investment in prize money and the calibre of participants demonstrate that preservation of seafaring traditions remains integral to the emirate’s values.

The scale and prestige of the 9th Historic Dalma Race Festival, continuing through mid-November with diverse programming, reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to celebrating heritage as a living, evolving practice rather than merely a historical artifact. For residents and visitors alike, such events provide tangible connection to the navigational expertise and maritime knowledge that shaped the emirate’s historical prosperity and continue to inform its contemporary identity.

Source: WAM