Dalma Sailing Festival 2022 to launch with massive dhow race

Looking to learn about UAE history and culture? The Dalma Sailing Festival is returning in May with a dhow race and loads of activities to love. This will be the fifth edition of the 60-feet dhow race celebrating the traditional sport.

The Dalma Sailing Festival will take place from Saturday May 7 to Friday May 20 and is organised by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee, the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

The festival aims to revive marine traditions and shine a light on Dalma and other islands in the Al Dhafra region to highlight their natural beauty.

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The 60-foot dhow sailing covers a distance of 125 kilometre,s and is the only race that takes off from Dalma Island. The race touches eight islands: Sir Baniyas, Ghasha, Umm Al KurKum, Al Fatayer, Al Bazm, Al Fay, Marawah and Janana before finishing at Al Mirfa city.

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The event will have a full line-up of traditional and aquatic activities including a fishing competition, dominoes contests, carrom tournaments, cycling, running, fireworks, theatre events and folklore shows.

You can also visit the souq with traditional kiosks that combine the Emirati maritime heritage, many diverse shops with local products and popular foods, a children’s village and theatre with daily competitions and prizes, heritage and folk contests and fun for all ages.

You will need a green pass on the Al Hosn app to access the festival and you will need to follow social distancing protocols including physical distancing and mask-wearing.

Sat May 7-Fri May 20, Dalma Island.