The Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA), through its Sharjah Sports Channel, has officially unveiled the second edition of the 60-foot Sir Bu Nair Dhow Sailing Race. Scheduled for October 10, the high-profile event is designed to honor the UAE’s rich maritime legacy and preserve traditional sports for future generations. The competition is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, with organizational support from the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club.
This year’s race is set to feature a massive turnout of 71 dhows and over 1,000 participating sailors and captains. The contestants will navigate a challenging 25-nautical-mile course stretching from the Al Hamriyah region to Al Heera. To incentivize excellence, a prize pool totaling approximately AED 3 million has been allocated for the participants.
In addition to the main sailing event, the SBA has introduced the Sir Bu Nair Challenge for Sharjah government employees, running from October 8 to 10. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, this segment features a prize fund of AED 70,000. It is structured as a team-based challenge, where each government entity can register up to two teams, with each team consisting of six members.
During a formal press conference to announce the details, Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, emphasized that the second edition builds upon the substantial success of the inaugural race. He noted that the event serves as a vital bridge to the past, reviving the traditional sailing values of patience and determination once held by the nation’s ancestors. According to Al Ghaithi, the event has now secured a firm place on Sharjah’s annual heritage and maritime calendar.
Mohammed Majid Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Sports Channel, highlighted that both the dhow race and the government challenge offer distinct experiences aimed at community engagement. He stated that the channel has bolstered its production efforts and technical coverage to ensure the spectacle reaches a wider audience, particularly younger viewers. Tariq Saeed Allay Al-Naqbi, Vice Chairman of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, confirmed that all logistical, technical, and safety arrangements are finalized to accommodate the large number of participants. Reflecting Sharjah’s wide-ranging portfolio of events and initiatives, he highlighted the event’s success in bringing together diverse segments of the community in an exceptional environment.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, echoed these sentiments, noting that the race provides an authentic look at the UAE’s historical connection to the sea. Complementing these views, Abdallah Murad Al Mazmi, Director of the Advertising and Promotion Department at Sharjah Media City (Shams), praised the Sir Bu Nair Challenge for its focus on teamwork and physical competition. He stated that supporting this initiative aligns with the goal of creating interactive, community-focused sporting environments. He added that Sharjah Media City’s support underscores its role in promoting community-focused initiatives and invigorating the emirate’s media and sporting landscape, while also encouraging experiences that open new avenues for interaction, participation, and creative expression.
The announcement was attended by several notable figures, including Ahmed Issa Al Hosani, Director General of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, as well as representatives from the Sharjah Co-operative Society and various media partners. The event organizers plan to host a supplementary program of public activities alongside the race to drive community participation and celebrate the cultural significance of the sport.
