Dalma Island awakens for the ninth historic race festival

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the island transforms into a celebration of Emirati maritime heritage, with the region's longest traditional sailing race at its heart

Dalma Island, steeped in the maritime history of the Emirates, will host its ninth historic race festival from 30th October to 15th November 2026, drawing together the traditions that have long defined Abu Dhabi’s relationship with the sea. The festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, stands as a testament to the enduring significance of seafaring in the nation’s identity.

The centrepiece of the festival is the Dalma Historic Long-Distance Sailing Dhow Race, featuring 60-foot traditional dhows embarking on a journey of approximately 68 nautical miles across waters rich in historical resonance. The race traverses a course that passes Sir Bani Yas Island, Ghasha Island, Umm Al Kurkum Island, Al Fatayer Island, Al Bazm Island, Al Fiayi Island, Marawah Island and Janana Island, concluding at Al Mugheirah Beach. As the longest traditional marine race in the Arabian Gulf, it commands a total prize purse of up to AED30 million. Alongside this centrepiece, the Dalma Traditional Rowing Boat Race for 40-foot vessels and the Dalma Shaari Fishing Championship offer their own celebrations of maritime tradition, with the rowing competition offering AED2.4 million in prizes.

As we reported in our coverage of this festival, it has become a significant community event that brings generations together and strengthens their connection to ancestral maritime heritage. Beyond the water, the festival extends across land with an expansive programme of sporting competitions. Cycling, swimming and running races invite participation, whilst padel tournaments, women’s badminton, beach football and beach volleyball showcase the breadth of athletic endeavour. A falconry championship adds a layer of cultural authenticity to the sporting calendar.

Creative pursuits find their place too: the Best Photograph of Dalma and Best Video of Dalma competitions invite visitors to capture the island’s essence, whilst carrom and domino tournaments, traditional cooking competitions and dessert championships celebrate the crafts and culinary traditions that sustain Emirati culture. The Children’s Village offers educational and recreational activities, allowing young visitors to discover facets of Emirati heritage through interactive engagement. A heritage village and traditional market will showcase handicrafts, heritage products and Emirati cuisine, creating an immersive experience of island life past and present.

Visitors are invited every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 15 November, whilst competitors will participate throughout the full festival period. The Ruler’s Representative has previously emphasised the importance of preserving traditional sports as a living heritage, and this festival exemplifies that commitment, weaving together competition, community and the stories of those whose lives have long been bound to these waters.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The festival represents a deliberate investment in Abu Dhabi’s cultural continuity. By bringing together marine competitions, heritage programmes and community activities on Dalma Island, it creates a platform where residents and visitors alike can encounter the authentic traditions that shaped the Emirates’ maritime identity. The scheduling across weekends encourages wider participation and supports both tourism and economic activity on the island, extending the benefits of the festival beyond its immediate dates.

More broadly, the ninth edition reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a steward of Emirati heritage and a centre for traditional sports in the region. The collaboration between the Heritage Authority, Sports Council and Marine Sports Club establishes a model for institutional partnership that strengthens the delivery of significant cultural events. Through this festival, knowledge passes between generations, ensuring that the legacy of seafaring remains not merely historical but living, breathing and integral to Abu Dhabi’s identity.

Source: WAM