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Dubai: Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) has unveiled its calendar for the 2026–2027 sports season, featuring 40 races, championships, and events taking place from September 2026 to April 2027.
The programme includes a diverse range of traditional and modern marine sports across the UAE and internationally, reinforcing the club’s leading role in organising premier marine sporting events at both regional and global levels while further strengthening Dubai’s position as a world-class destination for marine sports.
The new season will commence in September with the 22ft “Al Shindagha” Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, alongside a comprehensive schedule featuring 22ft, 43ft, and 60ft traditional dhow sailing races, the UAE Modern Sailing Championship, traditional rowing races, aquabike championships, fishing competitions, kitesurf competitions, kayak events, as well as the club’s participation in and hosting of rounds of the UIM Formula 1 World Championship and the UIM XCAT World Series.
One of the season’s standout highlights will be the staging of two editions of the prestigious Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race.
The postponed 35th edition will take place in October 2026, followed by the 36th edition in April 2027, creating an exceptional season that celebrates one of the UAE’s most iconic maritime heritage events.
Dr. Ahmad Saeed Bin Meshar, Chairman of Dubai International Marine Club, said: “This programme reflects the Club’s vision of delivering an integrated sporting season that combines preserving the UAE’s rich maritime heritage with strengthening the presence of modern marine sports, in line with Dubai’s global reputation for hosting and organising major international sporting events, particularly those deeply rooted in our maritime traditions.”
He added: “We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our wise leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, for their unwavering support of sport and athletes. Their vision and commitment have been instrumental in establishing Dubai as one of the world’s leading destinations for hosting marine sporting events.”
Bin Meshar continued: “We enter the new season with great ambitions to continue achieving organisational and sporting excellence by delivering a diverse calendar that caters to athletes and enthusiasts alike, while focusing on developing national talent, preserving our maritime heritage, and strengthening the UAE’s presence on the international stage through hosting the world’s premier marine championships.”
He also praised the club’s strategic partners, including the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Media Incorporated, Dubai Harbour, and other government and private-sector entities, whose continued cooperation ensures that all events are delivered according to the highest international standards, reflecting Dubai’s outstanding reputation as a global sporting destination.
The season calendar features 40 events spread across eight months.
The programme begins in September with the 22ft “Al Shindagha” Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, the 43ft “Atlantis” Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, and Victory Team’s participation in the UIM Formula 1 World Championship round in Shanghai, China.
In October, the club will organise the 60ft “Burj Al Arab” Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, participate in another round of the UIM Formula 1 World Championship in China, and the 35th Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race from Sir Bu Nair Island.
November will feature UAE Flag Day celebrations, the 43ft “Dubai Harbour” Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, two Dubai Traditional Rowing Races, the Dubai Fishing Competition, the Keel Boats Race, the Dubai International Boat Show, the Dubai International Boat Show – Night Show 2026, UAE National Day celebrations, and participation in the UIM Formula 1 World Championship round in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
In December, the Club will host the 30th Al Maktoum Cup Traditional Rowing Race, the UIM XCAT World Series – Dubai Grand Prix, Aquabike Freestyle, the UAE Modern Sailing Championship, participate in the UIM Formula 1 World Championship finale in Sharjah, and conclude the year with the 22ft “Jumeirah” Traditional Dhow Sailing Race.
The January 2027 programme includes the second round of the Dubai Fishing Competition, the Dubai Kitesurf Competition, the UAE Modern Sailing Championship, the Dubai Kayak Boats Fishing Competition, the Dubai Stand-Up Paddling & Kayak Race, the Dragon Boat Race, and two rounds of the Dubai Aquabike Championship.
In February, the Club will stage the third round of the Dubai Fishing Competition, while March will feature the 60ft “Dubai Eye” Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, the second rounds of the Dubai Kitesurf Competition, the Dubai Kayak Boats Fishing Competition, the UAE Modern Sailing Championship, the Dubai Stand-Up Paddling & Kayak Race, in addition to the 60ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Trial Race.
The season will conclude in April 2027 with the 36th Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, bringing the curtain down on another outstanding season of local and international marine sporting events.
