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 10 October, this prestigious event aims to honor the UAE’s maritime traditions and promote the nation’s heritage in competitive sport. The race is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in partnership with the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club.
Competition for this year’s event is set to be significant, featuring 71 dhows and over 1,000 participating sailors and captains. The competitors will navigate a challenging 25-nautical-mile course stretching from the Al Hamriyah area to the shores of Al Heera in Sharjah. Organizers have allocated a prize pool of approximately AED 3 million for the event, ensuring a high-stakes environment for the participants.
Beyond the primary race, the SBA has introduced the Sir Bu Nair Challenge, specifically designed for employees of the Sharjah Government. Taking place from 8 to 10 October under the patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, this challenge carries a prize pool of AED 70,000. It is open to government entity teams, with each organization allowed to register up to two squads of six members.
The announcement took place during a press briefing attended by prominent officials, including Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the SBA; Mohammed Majid Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Sports Channel; and Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. Also in attendance were Tariq Saeed Allay Al-Naqbi, Vice Chairman of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, and Ahmed Issa Al Hosani, Director General of the club. Partners from the Sharjah Co-operative Society and Sharjah Media City (Shams) were also represented.
Salem Ali Al Ghaith emphasized that this second edition builds upon the solid success of the inaugural race. He noted that the event serves as a vital platform for reviving the ancestral lifestyle of the UAE, emphasizing traditional skills like patience and determination. According to Al Ghaith, the race is now a permanent fixture in Sharjah’s heritage calendar, helping to pass down maritime values to the next generation.
Mohammed Majid Al Suwaidi highlighted the unique blend of community engagement and sport that both the sailing race and the government challenge provide. He stated that the Sharjah Sports Channel is enhancing its production capabilities this year to reach a wider audience. He remarked that the professional coverage will ensure the cultural significance of the traditional racing is effectively conveyed to younger viewers.
Technical and logistical preparations for the event are complete, according to Tariq Saeed Allay Al-Naqbi. He noted that the club has prioritized safety standards to manage the scale of participation while underscoring the values of teamwork and healthy competition. Abdallah Murad Al Mazmi of Sharjah Media City added that their support for the Sir Bu Nair Challenge reflects a broader commitment to fostering teamwork and physical activity across the emirate’s diverse community. 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.
The event schedule includes a variety of public-oriented activities alongside the main races to encourage spectator interaction. By combining heritage, sport, and community interaction, the organizers aim to solidify the Sir Bu Nair events as premier annual celebrations of the UAE’s seafaring identity.
