Al Gaffal Long Distance Race 2022

There's a reason the Al Gaffal Long Distance Race celebrates its 31st anniversary this May — it's is an integral part of the traditional water sports scene and it is hugely popular.

A staple of the city's calendar, this event pays homage to the UAE's maritime and pearl-diving history with exclusively Emirati competitors carrying on their ancestor's heritage.

Established in 1991, Dubai's biggest sailing event is held for more than 3 decades now.

See over 100 skilled boatsmen travel aboard majestic 60ft dhows from Sir Bu Na'air, an island located 65km off the coast of Abu Dhabi, all the way to Dubai. They sail through the distance of 53 nautical miles divided into two stages. The first stage is from Sir Bu Nair Island to the crossing point at Moon Island as a mandatory crossing point for the continuation towards the finish line near the new cultural landmark Dubai Eye.

Visitors can also enjoy a host of beach activities at the Al Gaffal Village Tent from 23 - 29 May.

A truly fascinating sight, this not event to be missed, proving to be the perfect sign off to Dubai International Marine Club's (DIMC) season for 2021-2022.