The locking race .. 34 years of loyalty to the heritage of the sea in the Emirates

Dubai, April 26 / WAM / The locking race for sailing ships is a 60 -foot category, one of the most prominent symbols in the scene of heritage marine sports in the UAE, since its inception in 1991 at the initiative of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, may God rest his soul, with the aim of reviving the heritage of grandparents and enhancing the link of the Emirati man to the sea, through an annual race that embodies the historical return journey from the depths of the sea to the coast of the country.
The continuous march of the race is the support and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, which directed the continued organization of the race annually to consolidate the vision of its founder.
The race, organized by the Dubai International Marine Sports Club, turned into a prominent national event that combines originality and the spirit of challenge, and enhances the transfer of traditional skills between generations, amid great support from the rational leadership, reflected in the continuous development at the organizational and technical levels, the increase in the number of participants, the development of safety and tracking technologies, and the high value of awards.
“Al -Qafal” is closely related to the history of Emirati families who were concerned with the pearl trade, whether through diving, navigation or trade on sailing ships, which gives the race a deep human and heritage character.
The historical path of the race extends from Sir Bounair Island towards the island of Moon as a mandatory traffic point after 23 nautical miles, then turns to the southeast to the finish line in front of the Burj Al Arab Hotel, the same path that the fishermen used to take on their way of diving trips.
Al -Qafal is a major platform in preserving the sailing ships industry, raising societal awareness of the importance of maritime heritage, as well as a new generation of Nakhudhah and sailors, and opening the way for honorable competition within a professional environment balance between traditions and the requirements of the times.
Since the first version that witnessed the participation of 53 ships, the number of participants recorded remarkable growth, as 123 ships participated in the 33rd edition last year.

The ship “Ghazi 103” holds the record in the number of times the coronation of five titles in 2004, 2006, 2013, 2015 and 2018, while “Hashim 199” for its owner Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan won the title of last version.
The locking race, this year, which will be held next May 2, celebrates its 34th edition in 35 years since its inception, in conjunction with the “Society Year 2025”, where only one year has been absent due to the Koruna’s pandemic, and throughout these long years, it has become a national carnival in which the memory of the homeland is restored, and the efforts of the pioneers who fought the sea in search of livelihood are honored.
The value of the prizes has witnessed a great development, as it increased from 3 million dirhams in the beginning of the race to about 12 million dirhams in recent years, which reflects the extent of the interest and support that the event enjoys, and its position as a platform to honor excellence and commitment to the national identity.
Ahmed Saeed bin Mashmar, Chairman of the Dubai International Marine Sports Club, and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Racing Committee, stressed that “Al -Qafal” represents a unique model in the record of heritage events, and embodies the link of the Emirates with their maritime heritage, indicating that the continuous support from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum represents the cornerstone of the race’s success year after year.
Bin Mashmar stressed that the Supreme Organizing Committee places the safety of the participants and ships at the top of its priorities, through accurate coordination with the competent authorities, and providing all the requirements for technical and logistical support to ensure the highest standards of safety and organization.
For his part, Khaled Khamis bin Dimalal, a member of the Organizing Supreme Committee, said that the race is a dear national occasion that embodies the spirit of maritime heritage, and that it has become a bright sign in the record of maritime events in the country and the region, stressing that his continuous success is due to the integration of efforts from the partner and supportive parties that believe in his mission in promoting the national identity.
In turn, Mohamed Abdullah Hareb Al -Falahi, Executive Director of Dubai International Marine Sports Club and member of the Organizing Supreme Committee, pointed out that this year’s version will carry many qualitative additions, in line with the spirit of “the general community”, where the organizing committee is working to expand the scope of accompanying events, and convert the race into an integrated societal platform that combines sport, culture and heritage, and reflects the leadership of the Emirates in securing its inheritance and presenting it to future generations.

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